Career Pathways

Kevin Williamson, Commercial Director

When I left school, I began my professional journey by joining Graham & Sibbald, a longstanding General Practice Surveying company. Concurrently, I pursued further education on a part-time basis. This initial step provided me with practical exposure within the industry while also allowing me to work towards my degree.

My journey to where I am today as a Commercial Director at Global Infrastructure has been marked by a few twists and turns. After leaving Graham & Sibbald, I decided to focus on completing my studies full-time. However, due to personal circumstances, I was unable to finish my degree.

Upon returning home from university, I embarked on various jobs, ranging from assisting my father, a skilled joiner, to tending bar and even working as a summer greenkeeper. Although I may not have realized it at the time, these experiences provided invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability.

As I saved up to resume my studies, I was presented with an opportunity as a Measurement Engineer at Tulloch, a respected Civil Engineering company in the Highlands. This involved once again balancing work and studies, but I found my niche within the industry, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I am deeply grateful to the mentors and employers who provided me with opportunities. While my journey has taken unexpected turns, I am fortunate to still be working alongside the individuals who gave me a chance from the start, albeit in a different capacity and company.

For me, being a director is not just about leading; it's about drawing from my experiences and skills to actively support my team and peers. Success is not solely about personal achievements; it's about lifting everyone up and succeeding together. I take pleasure in developing our people, whether they are young professionals just starting out or members of our existing workforce. Creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow contributes to the ongoing success of the business.

What I find most intriguing about the Construction and Civil Engineering industry is the continuous challenge it presents. The dynamic nature of the industry ensures that no two days are alike, and each project brings its own set of obstacles to overcome. While challenges may abound, the sense of accomplishment upon successfully delivering a project, coupled with making a profit along the way, is extremely rewarding.

For those considering a career in Construction and Civil Engineering, I would emphasize the multitude of pathways available to enter the industry, whether directly from school or through the transfer of skills acquired in other fields. Researching as much information as possible is crucial, as the reality of the field may differ significantly from expectations.

To anyone uncertain about their career path, I would encourage them not to be afraid to think outside the box. In today's society, there is often a standardized route that emphasizes a particular trajectory, such as proceeding directly to university after school. However, it is essential to recognize that everyone is an individual, and there are numerous career pathways that may not align with these standard expectations. Success is not solely determined by grades or adhering to a predefined path. It's about discovering your own strengths and forging your own unique path. While it may involve some twists and turns, that's all part of the journey.

Diversity in people and skills is what drives progress. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; it's about finding your own way. If your journey looks different from others, don't worry. Embrace it, take the time to figure things out, and trust that you'll reach your destination.