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From Berlin to Amsterdam: Pauric Duffy on fulfilling his goal of becoming Project Manager with Mercury
Like many young people, Pauric Duffy’s first exposure to the construction industry was through family. “My family ran a plumbing business, and I had always been involved growing up. I loved being on site and knew I wanted to work in the industry.” Pauric, from county Monaghan in Ireland, went on to study Construction Management at IT Sligo. “Mercury visited the college at a few career fairs, and I was able to speak with different employees. I decided to apply for the Graduate Programme because I wanted to work on a large-scale project, and I was excited by the chance to move to Europe.”
Pauric started on the programme in September 2020 as a Graduate Project Planner on a data centre project in Amsterdam. “I realised planning would be a good entry point because you got exposure to a lot of different disciplines. I worked with the mechanical, electrical, commercial and quality teams and built a really strong sense of community with the people. I was lucky to receive a lot of help and guidance.” As a member of the project planning team, Pauric played a key role in developing and driving project schedule and describes the practical experience as “unbeatable.” “I think effective communication and understanding how to be a good leader to a diverse group are skills that I really learned when I was starting on the programme.”
Scaling his career:
After 18 months, Pauric completed the graduate programme and moved to a new project in Berlin, where he was promoted to Project Planner and swiftly moved up the ranks to Senior Planner and then Associate Divisional Planning Manager. Now back in the Netherlands, Pauric is “fulfilling one of my goals” working as a Project Manager in Mercury’s Enterprise Data Centres business unit on a fast-paced project in Eemshaven. “My journey is testament to the opportunities and growth that’s possible through Mercury’s graduate programme.”
How did Pauric make such successful growth since finishing the Graduate Programme just over three years ago? “I’ve always been willing to learn. I knew from my college days that I wanted to be a Project Manager eventually and that this required having a broad knowledge of how a project operates, so I got involved in all aspects of work and never turned down any opportunities.” What advice does he have for prospective graduates? “When you are willing to learn that gets noticed and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s really encouraged at Mercury because it shows that you care.”
A day in the life:
An average day for Pauric is varied, “I attend our whiteboard meeting, which is led by our Construction Manager. This meeting sets out the site activities for the day.” As Project Manager, Pauric is involved with all project stakeholders. “Every day I’m in communication with our clients, supply chain, our team here on the project, and senior management.” He has adjusted to “working more directly with our clients than I did when I started.” “It’s a role that involves a lot of responsibility but because of the experience I’ve gained over the past few years, starting with the Graduate Programme, I’m confident that I’ll succeed.”
Pauric would recommend Mercury’s Graduate Programme- “it’s one of the best ways to get into this industry.” “It’s a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to get experience on some of the most technologically advanced projects in Europe, build their skill set and travel while doing so.” He points to his own journey as evidence of the opportunities for progression within Mercury.” He finishes by noting “Don’t be afraid to take the risk and try something new. A move to a different country and a new role is a huge chance and at Mercury the team support you and give you that expertise and helping hand to launch and advance in your career.“
ABOUT MERCURY
Mercury is the European leader in construction solutions. We build and manage complex engineering & construction projects for the world’s leading corporations. Our solutions help deliver technologies and life changing advancements that connect people, communities, and businesses, giving them the power to achieve incredible things. Our people have the courage to be innovative. Their determination and sharp focus enable us to deliver with certainty, time and time again.
