Kiara completed a degree apprenticeship with Sellafield and the University of Cumbria, progressing on to a role as a sub-project manager. Since graduation she’s received the Association of Project Management (AMP) Emerging Project Professional of the Year award
Why did you decide on a career in project management?
I get a thrill out planning, organising and making things happen. I also always naturally fit into leader roles whether planning events at school, leading my family business or planning trips.
I always knew I was a hands-on learner and wanted to combine study with real-world experience, which led me to pursue a Project Management Degree Apprenticeship after sixth form.
What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to collaborate, making the role dynamic and rewarding. From leading team workshops and tackling issues, to producing project documentation, communicating plans and preparing for construction activities.
What do you enjoy about being in project management?
The variety and the ever-evolving nature of project management means there are constantly challenges to overcome. I thrive on this. You also get to work alongside so many different people from across disciplines and organisations.
What are the challenges?
Balancing conflicting stakeholder views.
Balancing time and cost constraints.
Communication / stakeholder engagement.
Managing project scope / changing requirements.
What three qualities are important for a career in project management?
Leadership - being driven, influential, and an effective decision maker.
Communication - the ability to maintain clear, open and honest communications, building trust and strong relationships is crucial for success.
Resilience - tackling challenges head on, being open to change and taking risks. Having the mindset to take on challenges, problem-solve, collaborate and maintain positivity.
Can you debunk a myth about working in project management?
Some believe project management is just paperwork and organising people, a routine role. In reality it's far from mundane. Project management is dynamic and exciting, with no two days the same. Project management isn't just about managing tasks- it's about driving transformation and making things happen.
It's a career that offers immense satisfaction. Watching an idea evolve from concept to reality is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing the challenges and obstacles we've overcome along the way. After months or even years of planning, seeing that first spade in the ground and witnessing the team unite with passion toward a shared goal is a moment of pure pride.
What are your career ambitions?
In the past year I have achieved some big milestones in my career- winning the APM Emerging Project Professional of the Year and being named on the Northern Power Women Future List. These awards have given me the confidence and motivation to push myself and take on even more challenging opportunities.
I am hoping to start a Masters degree in project leadership next year and ultimately achieve chartership with the APM. I have my mind set on progressing through the project management career path, working towards project manager then senior project manager.
What advice can you give to other aspiring to work in project management?
Make the most of every development opportunity. Take control of your own journey and push yourself, take on different opportunities, you never know what you are capable of, even if it doesn’t work out, every opportunity provides valuable learning.
Embrace change. Projects and teams continuously evolve, this sparks innovation and improvement and when things change, you learn. Be positive, be enthusiastic. If you can embrace change, you'll be in the right mindset to tackle it.
Be bold. Challenge the norms, bring innovative ideas and never be afraid to ask questions.
