Name: Amelie Ngombo
Job title: Project manager at AECOM
What I do: I’m a project manager at AECOM working within the tertiary education team. One of the things I enjoy about project management is that no two days are the same. One day I’ll be in the office at a progress meeting with the client and project team, next I can be working through design issues with the wider team.
A lot of the projects I work on are at construction stage, so I also spend a lot of time on site with contractors, reviewing progress and helping to resolve issues as they arise. The variety of projects is what keeps the role interesting for me!
Why I got into the property industry: I was drawn to the property industry because I liked the idea of contributing to something tangible and having a positive impact on the spaces people use every day. Working within education makes this particularly rewarding; whether I’m helping to deliver new student accommodation or study spaces, there’s a real opportunity to influence people’s experiences. There’s also something quite special about being able to say, “I helped deliver that building”.
How I did it: My introduction to the property industry came via the Pathways to Property Summer School at the University of Reading. It was a four-day programme at Henley Business School where I was introduced to the different areas of property and career opportunities. That experience was a real turning point for me and influenced my decision to pursue a career in the industry.
I then went on to study property and planning at the University of Westminster, through my studies and work experiences, I realised that project management aligned particularly well with my strengths – working with people, problem solving and organisational skills.
My first proper job: My first ever job was in retail which taught me a lot about communication and working with different types of people. My first corporate role was as an assistant project manager at a property and development management company which gave me my first real experience of delivering projects professionally.
My first big break: Joining AECOM has given me the opportunity to work on projects that I genuinely enjoy and where I can take on increasing levels of responsibility. I’ve been given opportunities with the support of those around me to lead projects and manage key workstreams. Having that trust early in my career has been really important for both my professional development and personal confidence.
My inspiration(s): I’m inspired by people who are ambitious about what they want from life, whether that’s within the corporate world or completely different career paths. I also find a lot of inspiration through travelling – meeting new people and seeing different ways of living always gives me perspective. It reminds me that there is so much more out there and there isn’t necessarily one set route to success. It reinforces my belief that with the right mindset and willingness to take opportunities, a lot is possible.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: There can be moments where I question whether I belong in a particular room or whether I know enough. I’ve learnt that those thoughts don’t have to define what I’m capable of. Sometimes growth means being uncomfortable and trusting that you’re in the room for a reason. The more I’ve challenged myself and stepped outside my comfort zone, the more my confidence has grown.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: One of my proudest moments has been returning to Henley Business School at the University of Reading to speak on its Pathways to Property Summer School panel. I attended the same summer school as a student in 2018, and it played such an important role in introducing me to the property industry.
To be invited back to speak to students about my own career journey, both last year and again this year, felt like a real full circle moment for me. It’s a privilege to be able to share my experiences with students who are at the same stage I once was and hopefully show them what is possible within the industry.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That property is simply about buying and selling houses. The industry is broad; there are careers across project management, construction, cost management, development, investment valuation and many more. I think a lot of young people simply aren’t aware of how many different opportunities exist within the built environment until they’re exposed to them.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: I would like to see greater representation at senior and leadership levels across the property and construction industries. Although progress is being made, there can still be additional barriers for women.
It’s important that people entering the industry can look at senior leadership and see people they can relate to as representation matters. If we want to attract a more diverse generation into property, we need to make sure they can see there is a genuine pathway for them to progress, lead and succeed within it.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I’m passionate about DE&I because opportunity isn’t always equally visible or accessible to everyone. My own introduction to property came through an opportunity that exposed me to an industry I knew very little about at the time. That experience showed me how powerful access and representation can be.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Progress towards a senior leadership position, taking greater responsibility for major projects and having a real influence on how they are delivered. Alongside that, I want to continue supporting and influencing people who are considering careers within property and the built environment.
What I do in my downtime: Fitness and wellness are a big part of my downtime. I’m part of a netball team that I play with weekly, and I also enjoy reformer and mat pilates. I’m also a very creative person so I like having an outlet that’s completely different from my 9-5. I often end my working week on a Friday evening by closing the laptop and picking up a brush to do some oil painting, which gives me an opportunity to switch off and be creative.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Probably something creative. I’ve always enjoyed being able to create and express ideas visually. If I wasn’t a project manager I could definitely see myself working in a creative role perhaps as a creative director.
My advice for someone just starting out: Seek out opportunities and say yes to things that push you outside your comfort zone. The world really is your oyster and there are so many people who are willing to share their knowledge and offer advice but you have to be willing to put yourself out there!
My motto/mantra: “Just do it” is my reminder every day to enjoy the journey and be present in the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in stress, self-doubt or imposter syndrome but those feelings are really temporary. I try not to let them stop me from taking opportunities and trying something new. Sometimes you have to trust yourself and take the risk.
