With International Women's day this week, Phoenix would like to make a special introduction to this week’s meet the team member, Trainee Quantity Surveyor Bani Misra.
In this male dominated industry, we need to break the gender bias within construction and help inspire future generations that a career in construction is possible!
Read on to hear about how Bani sees her future developing in the Construction Industry.
How long have you been at Phoenix for and what do you enjoy about your job?
I have been at Phoenix for 6 months, after finally braving the change of career. As a trainee, I learn from numerous different people both in the office and on site, and I enjoy getting different perspectives, insights into different ways of tackling challenges depending on people’s individual backgrounds and expertise. Perhaps what I enjoy most is being on site and watching the drawings come to life- the flurry of activity, the coming together of people with vastly different functions, knowledge bases and experiences to achieve a common goal.
How would you like to progress within your role at Phoenix?
Being a Trainee Quantity Surveyor at the moment I am eagerly looking forward to the day I can run the commercial aspect of high value projects on my own.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to read and run a local community book club. I also paint and collect special edition Lego sets and anything Doctor Who or Marvel themed.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
My dad is in the Construction Industry in a remote part of India where Health and Safety was not a priority. My day-care was construction sites and I have grown up amid bricks and mortar. That is where I feel most comfortable and so the construction industry has always felt like a natural fit. However, it did take a while for me to find out where I fit in, and I explored the Structural Engineering and Architecture sides of the industry before realising that my interests and capabilities aligned towards Quantity Surveying.
Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
My infinitely wise Head Teacher in school taught us: when you consider the scale of the universe, we are inconsequential. The only things that lend life any meaning is kindness towards one another and having courage to do the right thing, especially when it frightens you. As I get older, this resonates with me more and more and I am trying to develop the patience and resolve it requires.
List three items on your bucket list?
1. Visit Antarctica
2. Learn to fly a plane
3. Conquer my fear of snakes- including sea snakes
And finally, what does being part of #teamPhoenix mean to you?
My managers at Phoenix – now Directors - have been very kind to me, they gave me this great opportunity and everyone in the company has made me feel at home from the start. I know that as long as I work hard and with sincerity, #teamPhoenix will have my back. Without meaning to be soppy – this truly feels like a family – where everyone has a voice, there may be disagreements since everyone is passionate about what they do, but at the end of the day you still look out for each other and do what the company needs of you.
