If you loved playing with building blocks as a child and continue to feel the same way, you could consider a career in the Engineering, Construction and Real Estate sectors. After all, wouldn’t you like the tallest building in the world – under construction in Dubai at present – on your resume?
Other sectors may have witnessed solid contractions but Engineering, Construction and Real Estate sector in the Gulf countries isn’t doing too badly. In the face of downward pressure, the Gulf Cooperation Council construction market is being forced to reinvent itself and a recovery is in sight by 2018.
A report by the Oxford Business Group states that demand in Dubai’s construction sector has soared due to international events, including the planned World Expo in 2020, and higher tourism numbers.
Whatever the details of their role may be, professionals in the Construction, Engineering and Real Estate industry must possess a specific skill set, including:
Communication
“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw
The Construction sector may demand complex communications on a daily basis as there are different teams involved on a single project. Good communication skills are vital if you want to be heard and make a point.
Teamwork
“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.” – Steve Jobs
No project in this sector, big or small, can progress without teamwork. It’s important for you to be a person who can work within teams and also lead them
Visualization
“The big secret is that there’s no big secret.” – Oprah
The ability to connect the dots will provide the ability to visualize how complex components will come together. Flexible visualization skills will ensure that issues can be zeroed in on before they become problems.
Problem Solving
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein
Problems come with the territory; it could be a delay in supplies or unexpected water problems. Whether expected or unexpected, it’s essential that you’re able to come up with solutions that help you tide over.
Time Management
“How did it get so late so soon?” – Dr. Seuss
Time’s critical on any project but when it involves construction or building, timeline lags can cost millions. Effective time management skills will ensure that you – and the company – meet deadline every time.
Awareness
“I see life like one long university education that I never had – every day I am learning something new.” – Richard Branson
All employees who want to stay in this sector need to stay on top of industry trends. Anyone who’s commercially aware will be able to spot mistakes, generate ideas and increase project efficiency.
Leadership
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch
Project heads must drive the entire project’s design and implementation. It is important that they are able to lead a diverse team of professionals, including architects, urban planners, contractors, surveyors, technicians, construction managers, technicians, transportation engineers and others. They may also have to liaise with government planning authorities.
If you’re keen on a Construction job in the Gulf and have the skills listed above, there’ no reason why you can’t build your career in this sector.
