Trisha Ramos, Assistant Project Manager, Mace
Trisha Ramos is someone who isn't afraid to take risks; from being the youngest person and the only female on her first assignment to eventually taking the leap and working abroad. In this interview, she talks to us about why you shouldn't be afraid of making mistakes and the importance of networking.
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
I took up Architecture originally thinking I'd be designing, but I realised that there's more to design than just drawings. Fast forward to my leaving university, and I began working within a construction project management company.
I was the youngest, and also the only woman, on my first assignment and exposure to different tasks, as well as people, was inevitable. Since then, I've worked from that first high-end restaurant to hotels, casinos, and malls. It expanded my network and helped me land my first job abroad, working on an 81-storey tower. I'm currently working on a high-rise office tower, and you could say I am enjoying it!
What gets you excited about your industry?
In construction, you learn something new every day. You get to go out to see it from drawings to slowing being built, right through to completion. Seeing a project completed, or even just an issue resolved on-site, gives a sense of fulfilment inside. It even makes me giddy at times.
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"Don't be scared of making mistakes. Learn from your mistake and do better. Making a mistake because you tried is better than doing nothing at all. You can always ask if you are not sure."
I was scared of making mistakes before when I started working, but my mentor has made me realise that being scared sometimes makes you hold back and stops you from achieving something. So yeah, I share this with the students I've trained on-site, and I still apply this way of thinking now.
What, or who inspires you?
My family (especially my parents), partner and friends - so a lot of people actually! I've had my fair share of ups and downs, but I've never felt alone. They've got my back throughout and have even pushed me to take risks and improve myself.
How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in the industry?
Aside from attending webinars and reading articles, I try to expand my network. Meeting people with different expertise helps you learn more as you get to exchange experiences, and I think great ideas come from there.
What was the most challenging project or assignment you've worked on?
I think it would be my casino project. There was a point that I was managing different packages and had to run from inspections to overlapping meetings of other projects while getting calls from operations and completing reports. At the time, you wish you could divide yourself to attend to each task, but thankfully, I've managed.
If you could start your life again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. I believe everything I have gone through has helped me to become a better person and has brought me where I am today.
I even share my experiences with others, hoping they'll somehow learn from my mistakes, and be inspired to do better. The students I've trained are still in the industry, so I'd take that as positive!
You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
Invest. Of course, you'd want a backup plan for your future. I'd build my dream home; share the blessings with my family, I'd enjoy it more by sharing the happiness with them; travel and eat as I love food, and I would give some to charity.
How do you switch off after a day at work?
I do different things, but first I stop reading work emails even if it's synced with my phone (unless it is very urgent of course). Since I'm abroad, I'd catch up with my family and friends via messenger apps or video calls. I also bake sweets because baking relaxes me. Sometimes I also enjoy having dinner out or just having a lazy night watching a good movie or series.
If you had one wish for the future of your industry, what would it be?
For me, it would be for the treatment of employees to be better, regardless of age, gender, or race. A difference in treatment is still evident in some companies, and we can all learn from each other's ideas as we have different views and experiences. These lessons can be beneficial for everyone, especially the company itself.
Also, I would wish for companies to show gratitude to their employees. When people's efforts are acknowledged, they tend to be happier and work better.
How should people connect with you?
People can connect with me via linkedin: https://www.linkedin.cn/in/trisha-ramos/
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