Case studies: Construction company risk manager: Punjab

On graduation, Punjab took a training position with Metronet Alliance. He now works for Balfour Kilpatrick as a construction company risk manager...

After working full time, Punjab investigated options for applying to university. Based on the prospectuses and potential job opportunities, he opted for a degree in risk management offered by Glasgow Caledonian University.

While completing his degree, Punjab made full use of the facilities and opportunities on offer which included making applications for work placements and taking part in support sessions for completing application forms and successful interviews.

In his third year, Punjab was successful in applying for a summer placement with West Lothian Council, which provided a fantastic experience and exposure to working in risk management.

On graduation, Punjab took a graduate training position with Metronet Alliance and stayed in that position for a year. When a position arose with Balfour Kilpatrick, based in Glasgow, Punjab was appointed as a risk adviser based on his experience and relevant degree background.

Since starting in the risk adviser role, Punjab has been promoted to risk manager, as he has used his initiative to broaden his role by using his previous experiences in areas such as business continuity.

In his role as risk manager, Punjab is responsible for building a framework and organisational culture within which risks to the organisation can be identified, managed and monitored. This requires communicating with staff from across the business. Activities range from delivering education and training to conducting audits to ensure that policies and procedures are being met.

The role of risk manager also involves visits to sites such as windfarms to deliver training sessions.

Punjab finds the variety involved in his role particularly enjoyable and highlights how satisfying it can be 'winning people over' who can initially be sceptical of risk management. As the only risk manager within Balfour Kilpatrick, he enjoys the support he gets from colleagues working as risk managers in other organisations who are on hand to offer support when needed.

One drawback to his current job is the amount of travel that can be involved as, being a new father, his time at home is precious.

To further his career, Punjab is intending to apply to take the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) professional exams and is keen to investigate opportunities to work in the public sector in a few years' time.