Profica encourages supersizing skills to build a strong PM community

Profica was invited as a guest speaker to address construction management students at Wits University on how to market their academic skills for employability. This is the second time that Profica’s team were invited back to the School, having been brought back by popular demand. Godfrey Ajusi, senior project manager at Profica says, “Profica is keen to interface at grassroots, because we recognise that this is where the new talent will come from. Understanding how they will be expected to implement their knowledge is a critical element for students in becoming workplace ready. ”

Along with Godfrey Ajusi, David Harriss who is one of Profica’s well-seasoned senior project managers, highlighted the need to focus on those key attributes that enable PMs to succeed beyond the theoretical knowledge base. This includes the critical ability to being able to facilitate and encourage team consensus, develop negotiation know-how and resolve conflict to the benefit of all parties.

Feedback from students was that receiving insight from industry professionals who are able to define the demands of the industry and provide actual case studies of how to apply theoretical knowledge with practical application, is invaluable.

Importantly, the presentation also highlighted the importance of building networks and connecting with like-minded professionals so as to contribute to a thriving and skilled local construction and property PM community.

The image shows Godfrey Ajusi addressing students, along with David Harriss (seated far right).