Karl Vaitiekunas
Bachelor of Environments: Construction

I chose the Bachelor of Environments because as I was sitting on the fence between architecture and construction management, the Bachelor of Environments allowed me to use the first year to work out where my brain belongs. After the first year I had a very clear view that a major in construction management was right for me. Apart from that, the University of Melbourne was very close to home.

I decided to major in construction management because I am interested in the intricate process and logistics for the construction of major projects. Efficiency and communication are vital keys to the successful completion of a project, and I believe that my interests and skills fall in this area. It turns out that architecture wasn’t up my alley at all.

My favourite subjects were Project Planning Studio (second semester, third year) because it was the culmination of the two and half years’ worth of learning in the Bachelor of Environments. As the main assignment was to outline a construction project for a realistic situation, it became very clear what kind of issues would arise in the workplace in terms of technical details, legalities and communication. Secondly, I enjoyed Construction Management (first semester, third year) because real life examples to portray the significance of efficiency were used. For example, the minute-byminute timing for a tower crane was discussed in depth, as optimal use is ideal. The subject also depicted the importance of quality for the final product.

To me, studying at the University of Melbourne meant that I had a great chance to dive into any area of interest while having great confidence in the expertise and research facilities available. It also meant that I could explore personal interests through the breadth program. For example, I studied wine tasting in a subject called Australia in the Wine World.

My advice to new students is it would have been to have a parttime position at a construction firm whilst I was studying, because experience in the workplace cannot be learnt through university. Most importantly, the expertise of tutors and subject coordinators are supreme, and squeezing information out is highly advised.

I am looking forward to completing my practical ‘sandwich’ year at Crema Constructions while applying knowledge and skills gained from the Bachelor of Environments. Knowing that you are an essential cog in a project is a great feeling.

The BEnvs helped prepare me for the course prepared me well for the highly technical side of construction. In communication with subcontractors for a construction project, very specific questions can be fired at you and the BEnvs has improved my ability to answer comprehensively.

Five words that sum me up are Logical, motivated, thorough.

My personal motto is: think before you leap

KARL IS NOW WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY

What do you do? I am a contract administrator’s assistant at Crema Constructions.

How did you find your job? By submitting countless CV’s accompanied by cover letters and chasing up builders for an interview.

Recently I have been setting up subcontracts for many different trades for procurement.

What inspires you at work? Knowing that people depend on my input.

The future of the industry seems strong. I expect that there will be many more construction developments across the world as the population rises. Also, the existence of a greener construction manager will become increasingly important.

My greatest achievement so far is setting up a