A career in construction doesn’t have to mean choosing between working with numbers, collaborating with people or spending time on site. For Greta Li, a Cost Consultant at Intrepid Quantity Surveying — A WT Canada Company, it brings all three together.
Working in loan monitoring, Greta sees projects from several perspectives: tracking budgets and costs, monitoring progress and schedules, visiting sites and working with the different groups involved in bringing a development to life.
It is that variety, and the opportunity to see the real-world outcome of her work, that continues to make construction a rewarding career.
From design to cost consulting
Greta’s introduction to the built environment began through completing a bachelor’s degree in construction management and earning an advanced diploma in Architectural Technology.
While still studying, she gained her first industry experience as a drafter at a small architectural firm, preparing drawings for building permit applications.
That early exposure to the design side of the industry eventually developed into a career in cost management and quantity surveying, allowing Greta to experience construction from a different perspective.
Today, as a Cost Consultant focused on loan monitoring, her work includes reporting on project budgets, costs to date, costs to complete, cash flow, schedules and progress on site.
Seeing the impact beyond the numbers
For Greta, one project stands out not because of its size or complexity, but because she was able to see first-hand what the finished building meant to the people using it.
During a final site visit to a retirement apartment building, residents had begun moving into their new homes. Speaking with some of them, Greta heard positive feedback about the building, their suites and the amenities.
“I am really glad to have been part of delivering the finished project and bringing that happiness to the residents.”
For Greta, the experience brought another dimension to her work. Behind the budgets, reports and construction progress are buildings that ultimately become places where people live, work and spend their time.
An industry to explore
Having worked in the industry for more than five years, Greta’s advice for anyone considering construction is simple: explore it. With such a variety of roles, projects, and working environments, there are plenty of opportunities to discover where your interests and strengths fit.
“There is so much potential in construction. Whether you prefer working outdoors on site or in an office, you can always find a fit in this industry.”
For Greta, that variety extends to the people she works with. Construction brings together developers, lenders, contractors, and subtrade workers, making communication an important part of the job and providing opportunities to learn from different perspectives.
That learning continues as projects, technologies, and ways of working evolve, creating new opportunities to develop throughout a career.
“With new technology always emerging, you will never get bored or stop growing in this industry.”
Greta’s experience demonstrates the breadth of a career in construction, and how an interest in the built environment can grow into a profession that combines technical knowledge, collaboration, continual learning, and tangible impact.
Build your career with WT
At WT, careers in construction take many forms. Our people bring different experiences, disciplines and perspectives to their work, while contributing to projects and the communities they serve.
Interested in where a career in construction could take you? Explore opportunities with WT.
Greta Li
Consultant
Intrepid Quantity Surveying — A WT Canada Company
