Last year, Srishti Sharma took up a role as a Data Systems Officer with Macutex, a Melbourne based building consultancy that specialises in data driven solutions. It was somewhat of a sideways step for Srishti, whose experience to that point had primarily been in construction.
"Previously I was a construction estimator,” she explains. "I worked with a residential builder and later a construction company. But then I had to have surgery, and had to go back to India for a time. When I came back, I started looking for a job. I got in touch with Bayside, and that's how I met David.”
David Pham is a senior consultant working in engineering and infrastructure recruitment for Bayside Group. Taking a high-level view of Srishti’s skill set and experience, he was able to identify transferrable skills, and think laterally about what opportunities there might be for her.
“Even though Srishti’s background was in construction, she had qualifications and experience in project management,” David recalls. “Strong administrative skills, and soft skills like negotiation, leadership and problem-solving. There was a lot to suggest Srishti could transition to a different kind of role.”
"Initially I had applied for a job as an estimator for a window company,” says Srishti. “David asked if I had any interest in potentially broadening my experience working in a different industry. I wasn't sure, but he offered to help me. Within days he came back to me with a few options.”
One of those options was a contract role with Macutex. Even though the company services the construction industry, its emphasis on data means its day-to-day work is more in the realm of asset management. Srishti identified that role as something she’d be interested in pursuing.
Guided by David’s support and advice, she put in her application, and was successful in first getting an interview and ultimately landing the role.
“I was impressed by how committed David was to helping me,” she says. “That builds trust."
