After graduating in civil engineering from Portsmouth University, Abby completed a masters sponsored by Laing O’Rourke. In an action-packed career Abby has also worked on Manchester United’s famous Old Trafford ground, Dublin Airport and more recently the enabling works and massive remediation challenges of the 2012 site.
Abigail is currently a project manager within the utilities team at CLM - the consortium comprising CH2M Hill, Laing O’Rourke and Mace managing the Olympic build programme.
Describing the “buzz” that comes with working on a scheme of this scale, Abby says: “It’s just very satisfying. I have been fortunate to be involved in some really significant developments such as the main terminal building at T5 and of course this project here, which is equally important for the country as a whole.
“I like to be able to look back on a project, see it in full flow and see people getting optimum use out of it. That’s the real buzz and the main reward if you like”.
So what would she advise a friend pondering her future in construction?
“I’d tell her: ‘go for it’. This is not just a job, a stepping stone in a run-of-the-mill career. It’s actually about seeing things you’ve accomplished take shape and being part of it.
“There are so many different challenges you can take on and at Laing O’Rourke we are very fortunate to have supportive networks. I think that’s one of the reasons I like the big projects: you get to know so many people; there are some great times and strong links.”