Akinwale's Placement with VINIC Construction for MSc Project Management in Construction

Why MSc Project Management in Construction at Salford

"My background in architecture gave me a deep appreciation for design, spatial planning, and the creative aspects of building development. However, during my academic journey and practical experiences, I became increasingly interested in how projects are executed from conception to completion. I realised that beyond great design, successful construction projects require strong coordination, time and cost management, and leadership to bring those designs to life effectively.

I believed that studying an MSc in Project Management in Construction would allow me to bridge the gap between creative vision and practical delivery. I wanted to build the skillset to manage multidisciplinary teams, mitigate risks, and ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality. My architectural foundation provides valuable insight into design thinking, which I hoped would complement the strategic and operational skills I would gain in project management.

I chose Salford because the university’s emphasis on employability, innovation, and collaboration with industry partners which aligned perfectly with my career goals. My course is very practical, industry-focused, and taught by professionals with real-world experience. Plus, with the university being based minutes from Manchester, where there are so many exciting construction projects, meant I would get to study in the heart of the action is. It felt like the perfect place to grow both academically and professionally."

Industrial placement

"I took part in a year-long industrial placement as part of my course with VINCI Construction. This hands-on experience gave me insight into real-world construction projects and helped me understand the dynamics of managing teams, timelines, and budgets. The placement played a significant role in strengthening my CV and gave me practical examples to discuss during interviews, which ultimately helped me secure my graduate role.

I found my placement through the University’s Careers and Enterprise team’s networking events. The careers advisors provided invaluable support in refining my CV and helping me prepare for interviews.

A typical day started with a team briefing, followed by coordinating with contractors, updating project timelines, and reviewing site reports. I often attended site inductions and worked on risk assessments. There was always something new to learn, and every day brought its own challenges and opportunities for growth.

One of my favourite projects was assisting in the planning and coordination of the refurbishment of the Resus Unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary hospital. I particularly enjoyed working on scheduling and resource planning, plus being involved in meetings where real decisions were made about design changes and construction sequencing. It was rewarding to see how our planning impacted progress on-site."

Next steps

"The course provided a strong foundation in core project management principles like risk management, procurement, contract administration, and construction law. More importantly, it helped me develop essential soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application meant I was well-equipped to hit the ground running in a professional environment.

I’ve secured a graduate role as a Project Coordinator with a construction consultancy firm based in Manchester. This role provides an opportunity to utilise the project planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement skills I gained during my studies and placement. However, I’ve had to pause my involvement for now due to my ongoing commitment to the Students’ Union as their new President, which I’m looking forward to beginning."