Building a strong and meaningful network has opened up various opportunities and expanded my knowledge, while also enhancing my empathy towards others. Understanding people's backgrounds and actively listening have helped me develop new relationships and maintain existing ones on both personal and professional levels.
In 2021, I began my journey in quantity surveying as an intern while studying at university. I was advised to join the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveying (NIQS) as a probationary member. This organization is responsible for registering and regulating the profession of quantity surveying and preparing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs. NIQS organizes workshops that allow quantity surveyors to share knowledge and connect with stakeholders in the construction industry. Through these CPDs, I built connections and joined various quantity surveying learning platforms, where I met the founder of ADLM Studio. ADLM Studio, a construction technology company in Nigeria, teaches quantity surveyors how to utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools. As a probationary member of NIQS, I registered for a course where I learned to take building measurements using BIM software like Planswift, advancing away from traditional methods with paper and scale rules. My initial experience with the software was challenging since I was still familiarizing myself with its interface. However, I stayed in constant contact with the resource person to learn about other BIM tools. Participating in workshops organized by NIQS significantly impacted my career, helping me build a robust network and gain valuable insights.
I believe that treating others as you wish to be treated is the best approach to cultivating solid and lasting relationships. Recently, I worked as an assistant lecturer at a polytechnic in Nigeria, where disrespect is a common issue for young lecturers since students often see us as equals in age. My first day in class was anxiety-inducing, but I focused on giving my best. I aimed to build good relationships with my students by respecting and welcoming their opinions. While I faced challenges with the lower-level classes, my approach ultimately paid off, and I became one of their favorite lecturers.
The relationships I have built, the knowledge I have gained, and the lessons I have learned throughout my journey have shaped my professional path. I am eager to continue this journey with the Chevening community, where I can learn, share, and grow alongside fellow professionals. My commitment to treating others with respect and understanding will guide me as I strive to make meaningful contributions both within the community and back in Nigeria.
I am convinced that the Chevening community would be an ideal platform for sharing and connecting with diverse individuals. Through this community, I hope to learn more about my profession and gain insights into how others operate in their countries, allowing me to take good ideas back home. I look forward to sharing my experiences and accomplishments as a quantity surveyor and influencing others in the community.
In 2021, I began my journey in quantity surveying as an intern while studying at university. I was advised to join the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveying (NIQS) as a probationary member. This organization is responsible for registering and regulating the profession of quantity surveying and preparing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs. NIQS organizes workshops that allow quantity surveyors to share knowledge and connect with stakeholders in the construction industry. Through these CPDs, I built connections and joined various quantity surveying learning platforms, where I met the founder of ADLM Studio. ADLM Studio, a construction technology company in Nigeria, teaches quantity surveyors how to utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools. As a probationary member of NIQS, I registered for a course where I learned to take building measurements using BIM software like Planswift, advancing away from traditional methods with paper and scale rules. My initial experience with the software was challenging since I was still familiarizing myself with its interface. However, I stayed in constant contact with the resource person to learn about other BIM tools. Participating in workshops organized by NIQS significantly impacted my career, helping me build a robust network and gain valuable insights.
I believe that treating others as you wish to be treated is the best approach to cultivating solid and lasting relationships. Recently, I worked as an assistant lecturer at a polytechnic in Nigeria, where disrespect is a common issue for young lecturers since students often see us as equals in age. My first day in class was anxiety-inducing, but I focused on giving my best. I aimed to build good relationships with my students by respecting and welcoming their opinions. While I faced challenges with the lower-level classes, my approach ultimately paid off, and I became one of their favorite lecturers.
The relationships I have built, the knowledge I have gained, and the lessons I have learned throughout my journey have shaped my professional path. I am eager to continue this journey with the Chevening community, where I can learn, share, and grow alongside fellow professionals. My commitment to treating others with respect and understanding will guide me as I strive to make meaningful contributions both within the community and back in Nigeria.
I am convinced that the Chevening community would be an ideal platform for sharing and connecting with diverse individuals. Through this community, I hope to learn more about my profession and gain insights into how others operate in their countries, allowing me to take good ideas back home. I look forward to sharing my experiences and accomplishments as a quantity surveyor and influencing others in the community.
