Stepping into the world of construction project management at Gripfast has been an eye-opening experience- one that has reinforced my passion for structured problem-solving, organisation, and leadership. My Bachelor’s in Business Management and Post-Graduate Certificate in Project Management have provided me with the theoretical foundations of balancing priorities, and navigating project frameworks as well as a solid foundation in leadership and stakeholder management. However, nothing compared to the hands-on experience of being on-site and seeing those principles in action.
Everything clicked when I was able to bring the skills learned from my degree into the workplace, where learning about structured frameworks and their application, project tracking and documentation review wasn’t just interesting—it felt like second nature – it was the intersection of my love for construction and my passion for business. It was clear to me that the areas of study of which I had pursued had clicked neatly into place and I was working towards something that I could excel at. I’ve always thrived in organised, fast-paced environments where planning, coordination, and problem-solving took centre stage; and that moment of realisation confirmed that I was in the right place, and I couldn’t wait to start applying what I’d learned in the real world.
From my very first Project Control Group (PCG) meeting, I saw firsthand how discussions translate to actions on-site. As a visual learner, reviewing plans, walking through sites, seeing the progression of work, and engaging with contractors gave me a whole new appreciation for the impact of project management. Conversations with the construction team made me realise how every decision- whether it’s a scheduling adjustment or a design tweak- can greatly enhance the flow of work on site. By seeing the way site teams navigate challenges and problem-solve in real-time, my degree-based knowledge was reinforced, and I understood the real-world impacts of how a well-structured project management team is vital in keeping things moving smoothly.
Beyond the technical aspects, being present on-site and actively participating in meetings, defect walkthroughs, and contractor discussions have been invaluable. It’s one thing to read about risk mitigation, scope control, and stakeholder management in textbooks, it’s another to see it unfold in real-time, to witness the balance of keeping clients happy while ensuring contractors have the information they need to deliver quality work. That intersection of strategy and execution is where I’ve found the most value in my learning.
One of the biggest takeaways from my internship so far has been recognising how vital project management teams are in ensuring a project’s success. There’s a big misconception that project managers just chase deadlines, but in reality, they act as the central hub that connects all moving parts, aligning stakeholders, tracking budgets, resolving conflicts, and keeping the project on course. Seeing this in action has given me a much deeper appreciation for the role and how impactful it can be.
Gripfast Consulting has been the perfect environment to develop these skills. The company fosters a culture of hands-on learning, encouraging interns to be involved in meaningful discussions and real project work rather than just observing from the sidelines. The guidance from experienced professionals, the openness to questions, and the emphasis on practical learning have made this an incredibly rewarding experience. From the very beginning, I’ve felt like part of the team, not just an intern. The level of responsibility and exposure to real projects has accelerated my learning and has allowed me to utilise my book-based learning and apply it to projects in a way that is more than just theoretical.
Every day has presented a new challenge, a new insight, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to successfully manage a project.
Nathan Teale