Article
From the university to the construction site
Article
From the university to the construction site
Jonathan Fich had never worked as a craftsman when he joined NCC last year. He brought with him a Master's degree in Sustainable Urban Development from Aalborg University, lots of knowledge about sustainable strategies and – not least – practical experience with interdisciplinary problem solving and group work.
− Because I’m not trained in construction as such, there are still structural aspects I need to learn about: why we dig the way we do, how we lay the pipes, etc. I'm learning a lot about that from my colleagues right now. On the other hand, I’m well equipped for everything that falls under overview, planning, how we get the best out of people and how we best work with sustainability, he says.
New kid on the block
Jonathan makes no secret of the fact that at times it has been a bit anxiety-provoking to come as green graduate directly from the university to a construction site where he has had to act as assistant manager for a team of 30 men.
− I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a bit intimidating at first. Mostly because as a fresh new graduate, I jumped straight into a position as assistant production manager where I had to make decisions if my boss wasn't there. But I took it as a challenge and it's going fine. I get all the support and feedback I need, says Jonathan Fich.
He himself highlights the ability to both argue and listen in order to draw on his colleagues' strengths and weaknesses as one of the strongest things he brings with him from the academic world, and his colleague, supervisor Tim Pedersen from NCC, recognizes this.
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Jonathan lacks a little craftsmanship, but the creative mindset and willingness to solve problems gets the rest of us thinking, and together we find the best solution. He has shown great commitment and a willingness to take the lead right from the start
Make the strategy concrete
When Jonathan Fich began his studies as an urban planner, he did not imagine that he would end up dividing his time between the computer screen and various construction sites. After doing an internship at NCC during his studies, he realized that his working life should be more than strategies and theoretical work.
− I think it's really exciting to be able to both be an advisor making plans and drawings – and to be hands-on and complete what needs to be done and make sure it's done right, he says.