Based in our Lincoln office, Will has been working at Waldeck since 2023, where at the age of 28 we welcomed him as a Junior Digital Capture Surveyor.
We caught up with Will to hear more about his Early Careers Development Programme journey so far:
Hi Will! What has your education journey been like so far?
I came from a completely unrelated career. I studied Ancient History at the University of Manchester then went into hospitality, working my way up to Assistant Restaurant Manager. When COVID happened, I got furloughed and had a chance to sit down and re-evaluate my career.
I picked up a Master’s in Building Surveying and then went job hunting. Becky Hicks sent me an email suggesting I would be a good fit for the role they had in Digital Capture at Waldeck and the rest is history!
I come from a completely different career background. I studied Ancient History at the University of Manchester before transitioning into hospitality, where I worked my way up to Assistant Restaurant Manager. When COVID hit, I was furloughed, which gave me the opportunity to pause and re-evaluate my career path. During this time, I pursued a Master’s in Building Surveying and began searching for new opportunities. It was then that Senior Group HR Business Partner reached out to me, suggesting I would be a great fit for a role in Digital Capture at Waldeck and the rest is history!
What are some of the most interesting projects you’ve worked on?
Last May, I had the opportunity to carry out a comprehensive scan of a primary school in Telford, both inside and out, including a drone survey of the roof. The entire process involved scanning, data processing, and combining all the information before sending it to the client. This was my first large-scale, solo project, and seeing everything come together was incredibly rewarding.
I’ve also had the chance to work on a variety of other projects, including prisons, drone surveys for Network Rail, decarbonisation initiatives for Tesco, and work on Phenix Salon Suites.
What motivates you in your work?
I have a genuine passion for learning, so entering this profession with no prior knowledge has been an exciting challenge. It has required me to learn everything from the ground up, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I also take great pride in giving my best in everything I do. With each project I work on, I gain new insights and skills that I can apply to future projects.
How does the company support your professional growth and development?
In short, the company is highly committed to ensuring we receive all the training necessary to excel in our roles. For example, within my first month, I was sent on a week-long, intensive professional drone training course. I’ve also completed the BIM ISO 19650 Essentials training through the BRE Academy. Additionally, I am enrolled onto the Early Careers Development Programme which is designed to help me maximise the opportunities and resources available within the company.
What are your career aspirations for the next five years?
For now, I’m focused on continuing to learn and further develop my skill set. In the future, I want to graduate from the Early Careers Programme and become a mentor to the next generation of Digital Capture Surveyors.
In the future, I would like to move up to more senior positions within the Digital Capture team, and with the support available to me from both Waldeck and Morson, I’m confident I can achieve this goal.
What tips would you give to others starting out in industry?
My path into the industry has been anything but conventional, but what I’ve learned along the way is that it’s essential to put yourself out there. Highlight your skills, demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow, and never hesitate to ask questions. I’ve discovered that the work in this industry is so diverse and rewarding, so just jump in and enjoy the ride!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active; hiking and running are great ways for me to stay fit and engage with the natural world. I also love spending time in the kitchen, trying out new recipes or just brushing up on my cooking skills. I’m also a big fan of sports, particularly football and Formula 1. I had the chance to go to the Silverstone Grand Prix last year and would love to see more races around the world.
Find out more about Early Careers Development Programme here>