Rajaul Haque is an Assistant Quantity Surveyor for Keltbray, he has been with Keltbray for 8 and a half years. Raj considers himself to be sociable and outgoing, and he enjoys making new friends. Raj is able to speak three languages fluently, English, Bangladeshi and Indian. Raj was born in Bangladesh and migrated to England when he was 6 months old, and he is the eldest of 7 children.
Last month, we had the opportunity to speak with Raj and ask him about his experiences and career with Keltbray to date.
How did you get into construction and when did you join Keltbray?
I did school work experience when I was 15 and joined Keltbray two years later, 3 weeks before my 17th birthday. During the first 3 and a half years of my time at Keltbray, I was undertaking general admin duties for all departments before settling into the Commercial Department where I have been for the past 5 years.
Tell us about your responsibilities
As part of my role I do cost management, which involves preparing, negotiating and analysing costs for tenders / price submissions. I’m also involved in valuing completed work and arranging payment. Additionally I do subcontract management – monitoring the cost and value on a project and ensuring the delivery of a project is cost efficient and within budget.
What do you enjoy about your job?
At Keltbray, everybody is approachable and available to help when required, the training the business is willing to provide for their employees is also excellent. In my job I’m constantly learning new things, I enjoy helping others excel in my role and I take joy in the variety of tasks. I also have a good relationship with everybody in the office, especially the Commercial Team. My job can be challenging and involves problem solving which is something that I enjoy. Overall Keltbray is a very supportive company to work for.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry?
I would advise just be genuine and be yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions, everyone is willing to help you grow. Try and maintain a good relationship with everybody in the office, this will make you feel more comfortable. If possible, try and create relationships with people outside of working hours.
Do you have any long-term goals?
I’d like to become the head of my department and an expert in my field. I’d also like to learn a new language, preferably Spanish. Next I’d like to earn a Chartership in Quantity Surveying. Finally, I want to gain new life skills such as management skills.
