Hello, I’m Olivia
My Role: Social Value Coordinator
Where I work: JJH Building Contractors Ltd
What do I do in my role?
I am responsible for organising and documenting how JJH Building Contractors Ltd contributes positively to the local community, economy, and environment. Our company commits to offer construction-based services, provide business and management guidance as well as supporting charity fundraising initiatives across the borough. My aim in this role is to cultivate lasting value in the projects we undertake, and in-turn contribute to the well-being and development of the communities we serve.
What’s my career journey?
I gained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, in which I based my dissertation around people’s emotional intelligence and empathy. I knew I wanted some kind of people-facing job and started my career in hospitality and retail.
I was keen to switch to a career in which I could use the skills learnt from my degree, such as conducting case studies. Since settling into my role as a Social Value Coordinator, I am now further enhancing my knowledge and studying to become a qualified Social Value Practitioner, with aspiration to keep on building upon my existing qualifications.
What’s the best thing about my job?
Getting out into the local area and connecting with community groups and social enterprises, as well as likeminded businesses and authority figures within the construction and associated sectors.
My top skills
- Forming meaningful relationships with new people in and out of networking events
- Timekeeping and schedule organisation
- Written language style in documenting case studies and projects.
Good personal qualities to have
- Treating everybody you meet equally and with respect
- Ability to listen to people and their needs
- Ability to think of the bigger picture in terms of who a decision will impact.
What do I want to do next?
I plan to develop my qualifications in Social Value with aims to further enhance my career by achieving the advanced Social Value practitioner.
My advice if you want to do what I do
If it is of interest to you, get into the construction industry through whichever pathways are available, whether that is through a hands-on apprenticeship, or more of an administrative route.
There is a broad spectrum of roles available within the construction industry, and roles progress to gain more responsibility and enjoyable career paths. Do not be afraid of looking into roles you have never even heard of, as there is something out there for everyone within the sector.