Name: Krisanthi Seneviratne
Position: Lecturer in Construction Management
Company: Western Sydney University
What do you enjoy the most, working in the field of construction & development?
As an academic who specialises in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management, it’s my responsibility to grow peoples knowledge and understanding in this area. I have a passion for research and want to learn ways I can help transform society and drive the economy through encouraging new discoveries and active participation. With teaching, I need to facilitate the learning of many diverse groups, which requires me to be dedicated and find suitable approaches. This can be very challenging but has shaped my way of thinking to be more refined and ultimately provides me with a rewarding experience in return. Overall, educating people in my area of expertise has incentivised both me and my students to contribute in further advancing this field and I enjoy knowing that I have played a caring role in forming a greater interest in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management.
Where do you see your life in the next 5 years, what possibilities are ahead of you?
I am seeking to further develop my career by being invested in and committing to various pursuits, which can enhance my profile. When I started as a graduate, my aspirations were to become a practitioner in the construction industry. It is incredibly fascinating to me how my hopes and positions have changed over time, transitioning to a Quantity surveyor and now an academic. I intend to continue establishing a strong foundation with the construction industry and approach any possibilities with respect and diligence, so I can perform at the best of my ability. However, I am open to my priorities and possibilities to change to something completely different. For instance, becoming more thorough in my religion and devoting more time to my daughter are goals I want to achieve. Regardless of what the future might hold, I will continue to be passionate, purposeful, and committed. I believe we all have potential and the capability to accomplish anything if we set our minds to it.
If you could write a letter to a 13-year-old ‘you’ what would you say?
I would say that everything has a purpose. To ‘just’ do something for the sake of it will never achieve the same results as doing it with purpose. Purpose is key; it is the central concept of what will give you ambition, resilience, perseverance, and dedication to exceed expectations. Being an adult now, I have learned that purpose is an essential component and it makes a world of differences to believe in yourself. By doing this, you will explore yourself, your capabilities, your potential, and overall, your growth. At the end of the day, it is you who controls if and how far you succeed, so have the willpower and positive mindset to appreciate, believe, and thrive for yourself – then will you be able to accomplish everything you want too.
What are 3 skills you have had to develop to get to where you are presently?
- Communication skills: As they say, communication is key, whether it be verbal, non-verbal or written, all types will compel understandings in various ways.
- Interpersonal and teamwork skills: The ability to negotiate and cooperate along with colleagues and students requires flexibility and adaptability to make it work.
- Time management skills: Coordinating and dedicating certain time to a variety of work-tasks while meeting certified deadlines is an essential skill to fulfil my duties to the best.
