Maurvine Ngunda Ossumani
Name: Maurvine Ngunda Ossumani
Course: Planning and Real Estate
Year of Study: 2
Graduation Year: 2026
What work experience did you do?
Internship – Cost Management at Turner and Townsend.
What was it that inspired you to look for work experience?
As part of the Manchester 10/10 Black Leadership Programme, one of our key tasks was to show leadership by securing work experience. This provided an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the programme in a real-world setting.
Why did you choose to do work experience in this area?
I am interested in pursuing a career in quantity surveying after graduating, so I wanted to gain first hand insight into the industry and get a head start in understanding its key processes and challenges.
Give a brief snapshot of your role:
- Attended client and project management meetings
- Attended site visits
- Delivered a presentation How did the Bursary award support you in gaining experience?
What were the most enjoyable aspects of your role?
Working within the Health, Sciences, and Education (HSE) department was particularly fascinating. Many of the large-scale projects we worked on were fundamental to everyday life, yet not widely known to the public. Being involved in these impactful projects was both exciting and rewarding.
What were the challenges?
Learning new skills and understanding industry-specific terminology was initially challenging, but with time and exposure, I became more confident in my ability to grasp these concepts.
Did you have any worries or concerns before your work experience and if so how were they dealt with and overcome?
I was initially nervous about meeting new people and adapting to a new environment. However, I approached the experience with an open mind and was fortunate to meet many kind and welcoming individuals. My supervisor, buddy, and the entire HSE department made me feel comfortable and supported, which helped me settle in quickly. I could not have asked for a better team.
What specific or transferable skills did you develop through the work experience?
- Time management and the ability to meet project deadlines
- Effective communication in a professional setting
- Confidence in presenting and contributing to discussions
Did the work experience give you any insights and have these influenced your career pathway?
Yes, it reinforced my interest in quantity surveying and gave me a clearer understanding of the industry.
Do you have any words of wisdom for future students looking to gain work experience?
In the words of Nike’s famous tagline: Just do it! Do not be afraid to put yourself forward and step into new spaces—you deserve to be there. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but nerves are natural, and everyone experiences them. The key is to embrace the opportunity and make the most of it.
