Freeman Gordor

Freeman Gordor graduated from the MSc Construction Project Management programme in 2014 with Distinction. He currently works with Berock Ventures Limited (BVL) as the Coordinating Project Manager within the Project Management Department of BVL in Accra though his jurisdiction of work covers the length and breadth of the whole of Ghana.

Can you tell us about where you work and describe your role?

Berock Ventures Limited (BVL) is one of the biggest construction company in Ghana in terms of turnover and staff size. BVL is predominately into commercial building and road construction. My role as Project Manager and Coordinating Project Manager at BVL involves but isn't limited to; i. Liaising with the project site teams and reporting project progress to Senior Management. ii. Ensuring compliance to project time schedules, cost and quality of project to standards and client specification. iii. Liaising with other departments to ensure project needs are met ensuring quick and quality delivery of projects, etc.

Why did you choose Heriot-Watt and the programme that you studied?

Heriot-Watt is a leading UK University and a highly reputed one with regards to construction and engineering courses. They have a long history of greatly shaping the industry and is among the few universities to commence the MSc Construction Project Management programme.

What was your experience of doing a degree at Heriot-Watt University?

It was hard work but worth the while, I must say it was fulfilling. Being a full-time student meant the majority of my time went into studies and preparing for classes. It's a place to make good friends and form a great bond with colleagues, especially class mates.

How has your degree helped you in your profession?

I worked as a Project Manager before enrolling in the CPM programme, but undertaking this degree brought greater insight and knowledge of the subject area, giving me understanding to speak with authority on project managerial issues especially within the construction circles. I returned to work with BVL to help build the body of knowledge of Project Management within my department, company and the nation as a whole. With the insight and knowledge impacted by Heriot-Watt, I can drive this agenda.

Do you have any advice for students interested in working in your field?

Make the best use of resource available to you, HWU has plenty of resources. It's important to build your knowledge of the subject area whether it's from your lecturers, tutors or from resources in the library (on-campus or online). I would also recommend signing up to industrial forums to bridge the knowledge of what is happening in industry currently. Lastly, give it your all while maintaining a good balance of your academic, social and most importantly spiritual lives.

I chose Heriot-Watt because it is a leading UK University and a highly reputed one with regards to construction and engineering courses.