Job Profile: Luke ‘cruising’ for a successful career with MJM Marine
MJM Marine have provided world class marine outfitting for over 40 years.
In its Northern Ireland headquarters (Newry), the company combines traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology to create bespoke joinery and outfitting solutions.
MJM Marine have a team of highly skilled professionals with their range of talents making them a leading industry provider. We caught up with Luke Byrne, Quantity Surveyor, to find out more about his career at MJM Marine.
What was your route into the company?
After nearly a year of travelling the world, I applied for MJM who I saw were advertising for a QS role on Linkedin. All of my work previous was land-based so the prospect of working in marine fit-out and the opportunity to travel with the company appealed to me. I reached out to the company and submitted by CV before I was contacted for an interview.
How long have you been involved in this type of work?
I went on a placement year to a land-based contractor here in Newry who I worked for, for a few years after graduating. Currently been working between a student based role & after graduation for 8 years (with 9 months travelling in between)
Where did you work before this?
I worked for Felix O’Hare & Co. in Newry. An excellent company who I still have a great relationship with.
What were your favourite subjects in school and why?
Maths as I like a challenge.
Geography as I love learning about the world.
History. My biggest regret in school was not studying History at GCSE & A-Level grade as it’s the thing I like to learn about the most.
Did you go on to university or further education and what did you study?
I went to Ulster University in Jordanstown to study Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management
Did you always have this career in mind?
When I was younger I was thinking of being a joiner or maybe into a Finance role which I applied to in university as well. Having done some work experience in the Construction sector however, I ended up going to Quantity Surveying and never looked back really.
What do you enjoy about it?
I like the challenge and engagement with so many different people on a daily basis. The teamwork involved to complete a project is great to be a part of with so many people coming together with one end goal – finish the project to a high standard.
What are the main skills required for it?
I would say the main skills are organisation, communication, numeracy and problem-solving.
What would your advice be to anyone thinking of it as a career?
I’d say go for it and see what you think. MJM is great in general for people starting out their career in Construction as you can move to different departments and experience what they are like too.
What have been some of your career highs and lows?
A career high would be completing my first project as a lead Quantity Surveyor from start to finish
What would you say about the company you work for?
It’s a great company with plenty of opportunities for progression, fast paced and great team.
How have you changed in your role or developed yourself during your years of service?
I progressed from a student to graduate to a Project Quantity surveyor in the space of a few years. Taking on challenges is always the best way to progress in my opinion, even if it seems hard at the time!
How do you relax when you’re not working?
I like to both play and watch football and most sports in general & planning for future travels. I play Gaelic football for my local club, Newry Shamrocks & occasionally soccer in the off-season. Golf is a more recent hobby in the past few years.