What is your name?

Gillian McTernan

What is your current role?

Quantity Surveyor

What Job did you want to do when you were younger?

I originally wanted to become a Lawyer.

Can you describe a typical day in your current job?

My typical day consists of liaising with clients, sub-contractors and our site team. I visit our sites daily and ensure I am up to date with any changes that may affect the contract. There are weeks where I have CVRs and valuations to undertake. Every day is very different - no two days are the same.

What’s your favourite part of your current role?

I enjoy visiting site and attending client meetings.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in the construction industry, and how did you become interested in Quantity Surveying?

My father sparked my interest in construction - he is a Senior Quantity Surveyor who gave me an insight as to what he does. I didn’t start my journey until I was 23 when I enrolled in the Quantity Surveying course at City of Glasgow College. There I studied many different classes which further peaked my interest in the construction industry.

Can you share some of the challenges you've faced as a woman in construction, particularly on your journey to becoming a Quantity Surveyor?

Before I became a QS, I was a hairdresser and when I decided to change my career many people around me were very surprised as I had gone from one end of the spectrum to the other. I knew going into the profession wouldn’t have been easy as it is still seen as a male dominated industry. In my first construction job I knew I wasn’t taken seriously when I was asked by an operative if they could speak to the QS, as they thought I was admin for the site. This changed my outlook into how I was coming across in my role on site.

How have you navigated and overcome obstacles or barriers related to gender diversity and inclusion throughout your career?

I would say I have a lot of amazing female and male role models who have given me invaluable advice over the years. They have all seen me as their equal and included me in important conversations, asked for my opinion and taken on board on what I have to say. This inclusion gave me the confidence to really speak up and not shy away when times get difficult. I make sure my voice is heard.

In your experience, what are some of the most rewarding aspects of working in construction as a Quantity Surveyor?

I absolutely love delivering a project from start to finish, knowing I have been a part of a team who have worked together to bring the clients vision to life. Be it a hospital, school or hotel, it is so interesting seeing the project at different stages which the public don’t get to experience until completion.

What strategies or approaches have you found to be effective in promoting diversity and inclusion throughout your career?

Allowing all employees to have access to hybrid working or flexible working. It can make family life and work life less stressful.

What advice would you offer to young women considering a career in construction, particularly those interested in Quantity Surveying?

Do it! Take the leap into the unknown. You will meet some amazing people and experience things that you would never get the chance to normally. It is by no means easy, but it’s extremely rewarding.

Can you share a memorable project or accomplishment from your career that you're particularly proud of?

I worked on a project for the reconstruction of a hotel which was incredibly challenging. When it completed, the overwhelming relief in seeing the end result was outstanding.

How do you balance your responsibilities as a Quantity Surveyor with other aspects of your life, such as family or personal interests, and how is this supported in your current role in the Morris & Spottiswood Group?

As a woman who works full time and has three young children, it can be incredibly challenging at times, however working for Morris & Spottiswood I have the option for hybrid working. This has made my home life and career so much more manageable. In the evenings I’m able to spend proper time with my family, I’m not as stressed as I had been in the past and I have a new lease of life for my career again. My line manager is so understanding, nothing is ever a bother to him. He treats everyone with respect. More companies should take a leaf out of Morris & Spottiswood’s book and offer hybrid working. The change it has made to my life and my family’s life is incredible.

Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve or contribute to the construction industry in the future, both personally and professionally?

I’m aiming to achieve my chartership in the near future and I hope that one day I become that role model who helped shape me as a woman in construction. I hope that I give others the confidence to challenge themselves every day.