“I went to a conference where I met many female project managers from the construction sector, and I realised that there are a lot of us now.”
Building a career
Monika is a Capital Projects Programme Manager in Imperial’s Property Division. “I look at how our spaces at Imperial adapt and reflect our Science for Humanity and academic strategies. I focus on the benefits, interdependencies, and outcomes of projects such as Carbon Net Zero, Silwood and the Great Environment.’
One of Monika’s current projects is the redevelopment of the Great Hall, which also involves redesigning the space to create new teaching areas. “This is fantastic and ended up being a very complex project. But I can’t wait to see it finished as I think it will be spectacular.” Part of the Great Environment Transformation Portfolio, the Great Hall will reopen during spring term 2027, enabling academic growth in South Kensington with a flexible space that will enrich the student experience.
Starting out as an admin assistant, Monika progressed to project manager, and then worked her way up to programme manager. To her surprise she ended up really enjoying the construction projects she supported early on. “I never thought when I was younger I’d end up doing construction. One of my first projects was a new build nursery. I walked by it a few weeks ago and I could hear the kids playing, and they sounded so happy. It’s nice to build something tangible that will stay there for many years.”
Connecting with other women in construction
Over the years Monika has seen women playing an ever increasing role in the construction industry. From sometimes being the only woman in meetings when she started, Monika now sees a lot more female faces in her work. “It could be intimidating, and I used to feel I really had to make my mark as a woman. But last year I went to a Women in Project Management conference where I met many female project managers from the construction sector, and I realised that there are a lot of us now. It was great to connect, exchange insights, and share experiences.”
Monika thinks it’s still important to have events like Women at Imperial Week. “Imperial is really good on this front, but we know other places are not so good. I think it can be inspiring for others to see what we are doing, as we are a world leading university.”
Feeling supported and having the opportunity to develop her career are both important aspects of working at Imperial for Monika. “People are definitely Imperial’s greatest asset – I work with so many skilled and knowleadgeable people. Being part of the Property Division has been fantastic for me. I have always felt fully supported by my superiors and colleagues, and I hope I have returned that support too. I try and live the Imperial Values at work.
“I have also been able to develop in my role. I have achieved chartership with the Association for Project Management, and recently started the Imperial and Corndel Executive Development Programme for senior leaders. You can only do these things with support from your managers.”
Motherhood and travel
Currently, Monika’s most important and rewarding project is raising her four year old daughter. “I think every mum wants to raise her kid to be an extraordinary human being and I hope I am a good role model for her.”
A few years ago, Monika spent three weeks travelling around Egypt on a dizzying array of transport including a felucca (a traditional sailing boat used on the Nile), hot-air balloon and camel. “It was an amazing and very educative trip because I could see all the historic sites, but I also got to meet local people in their own homes, play with their kids and see their typical day. It was also an eye opener when I saw first-hand how little they have compared to us.”