Once on track to a fashion degree, Trudy Revell tells us why she's glad to have changed course for a career in construction. Trudy has great advice for those who fear they won't be accepted or reach their potential without falsifying their personas to meet expectations.

How did you get into the industry and what led you to your current role?

What if I told you I had every intention to study fashion...?

BUT, that changed.

I decided I didn’t want to follow suit, I wanted to do something completely different; something that would challenge me on a daily basis. I was 16 at the time and we were in the midst of a recession; there were no jobs. Construction and property were in a state of disarray, but it's where I wanted to be. So I took a leap of faith and enrolled in a construction course. A couple of years later, I made another rash decision and chose to study building surveying at university. 

To people's surprise, I didn’t drop out. Once I'd graduated I decided to pursue a career in project management. 

Do I look back and wish I had done fashion after all?

Absolutely not.

That one decision has shaped a fantastic career and for that I say thanks to my younger naïve self!

Have you come across any particular challenges within your role/the industry ?

I knew what I was getting myself in to when I chose to pursue a career in property. I wanted to work in an industry where it would inevitably evolve. I wanted to be part of the change and hopefully inspire others along the way. 

Do you have any advice to give people who are considering going into the industry?

Just go for it! 

Don’t let the fears of what others think of you stand in your way. Be unique, be open-minded and be transparent. 

To females feeling overwhelmed: embrace being you. Don’t try and dress or act like your male counter parts. Diversity is key to a successful project/ business. 

If you could change the industry in any way, what would you change?

Rather than changing just one part of the industry, I’m looking forward to the day where we’re not having to talk about diversity and inclusion because it's simply ingrained in every facet of our daily lives.

Click here to view Trudy's LinkedIn page.

Click here to find out more about TFT's Project Management service.