Find out what it is really like to work for us...
Q: What were you doing before you joined Watts and how long have you been with the firm?
A: Before working for Watts, I worked for the Knowsley local authority (a suburb of Liverpool) on a project to help them develop their neighbourhood. This followed on from a university project in association with Liverpool University and the local authority in Knowsley.
That was a good start, but I was really looking to get into a job, which would enable me to help clients to develop their project more on the technical side. Originally, I was interested in Urban Regeneration schemes, but having gained experience in site management and project management during a few work placements, I decided to look for Project Management positions. Using my languages skills in my job was a strong criterion in my choice of future position. I joined the Watts Paris office in April 2006.
Q: Why did you decide to join Watts?
A: Watts gave me the opportunity to use my technical knowledge in building and my language skills at the same time. By having a cross cutting first position between all Watts services proposed by Watts Paris, I was given the opportunity to maximise the use of my skills in my job. At the same time, taking part in the growth of a small office from the beginning with a friendly team was motivating.
Q: What kind of projects are you currently involved in? What has been your most interesting job to-date?
A: Now the Paris office has grown and each service is more identified, I have reduced my involvement in carrying on due diligences and concentrate more on what I enjoy the most, project management and monitoring. I am currently involved in managing the refurbishment of 10,000 sq m office building in Paris and at the same time, the project monitoring of services provision to a new residential development on a former vineyard, next to Bordeaux.
By now, the most interesting project I have worked on at Watts, is a due diligence on a private swimming pool and spa building, located in a castle property next to Paris. The building had been badly designed and built and was suffering from premature damages and dampness issues. Today, the design of the refurbishment and new fit-out of this building is ongoing by the architect and Watts is still on the go to manage the project once the design is agreed by the client. To be continued... /p>
Q: How has your career progressed since joining Watts? Where do you see it going?
A: Thanks to the acknowledgement of my capabilities, from an engineer assistant I became a project manager after just one year at Watts. I am now working as a team with the PM director who supervised my tasks. I believe if you can prove what you are able to do, you will be trusted and encouraged to progress. In the near future, I can see myself independently running a project, requiring less and less supervision from somebody else. Maybe, in one or two years time, I could work alongside an assistant. It depends on the type of projects that are coming.
Q: How would you describe Watts as a company?
A: From my point of view, Watts is made up of a multitude of small offices spread in Europe, in which one feels supported by a big organisation. Services whose means are used to satisfy any client. If the local office does not immediately have the means to satisfy it, other offices staff will come and help it to do it. A company with a lot of synergy.
Q: How would you describe the social side of your team?
A: Despite the British origin of Watts, the social life of our office is at least half-French. Of course, we have some traditional beers in the pub after work, but also some regular team lunches and dinners or wine tasting with Charcutrie after our monthly meeting. Employees are free to take part in any event they want and there are activities organised to please everyone’s tastes. Since we have moved to a new office building, a shower has even been fixed, so the sportier amongst us are able to cycle or run come to the office. Go karting is now a traditional client/employees yearly ‘rendez-vous’. Regular Watts events encourage employees to organise their own team activities as well, such as caving.
Q: Do you have any advice for people wanting to join Watts?
A: Be yourself, if your skills and character naturally draw you towards Watts, Watts will welcome you.