With a dream to own his own Construction company in the future, Justice decided that the way to do it was to join our BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management course. With the support, facilities and completing a year working in industry as part of the course, Justice feels on track to achieve his dreams. Read on to hear more about Justice’s journey to success.
Why did you choose to study at Salford?
I chose to study at the University of Salford because of its strong reputation for combining academic excellence with practical, industry focused learning. The university’s close links with leading construction and engineering firms, along with its emphasis on real world application, were major influencing factors in my decision. I was particularly drawn to Salford’s focus on modern construction technologies, sustainability, and digital innovation, areas that are essential for the future of the built environment.
What made you want to study your course? How did you come to study your subject?
I chose to study Construction Project Management because I have always been interested in how high rise construction projects are planned, coordinated, and delivered successfully from concept through to completion. These thoughts left a lot of questions unanswered and I decided to change that. The course provides the perfect balance between technical understanding, management principles, and problem solving skills that are essential for delivering modern construction projects efficiently and sustainably.
“My degree is giving me the confidence and foundation to take the next step and eventually establish a successful construction company of my own.”
Justice Akogo, BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
Tell us a bit about your course. How would you explain your course to someone who knows nothing about it?
Construction Project Management is about making sure a building or piece of infrastructure is delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality.
It involves planning the work, coordinating different teams such as engineers and contractors, solving problems as they arise, and making sure everyone is working towards the same goal.
It’s like being the conductor of an orchestra. Each trade and consultant has a specific role, but without someone coordinating them, things can fall out of time or conflict. The project manager ensures everything comes together smoothly
Have you done or will you do a placement? If so, tell us a bit more about your experience finding the placement and the placement itself.
I completed my placement with 24-7 Group, a mechanical and electrical (M&E) contractor, as part of my Construction Project Management degree. Securing the placement involved researching potential employers and reaching out directly to companies that aligned with my goals. I found the placement opportunity through university email alerts, which regularly share vacancies and industry connections with students.
During my time at 24-7 Group, I was involved in various aspects of project delivery, including assisting with planning, coordination of services, and monitoring progress on site. This experience gave me valuable insight into the technical and logistical challenges of M&E installations and highlighted the importance of collaboration between subcontractors and main contractors. It also enhanced my understanding of scheduling, health and safety management, and stakeholder communication.
Overall, the placement was a key part of my professional development, it allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real world situations, improve my problem solving skills, and confirm my ambition to progress toward a project management role within a main contracting environment.
What support is available for you throughout your studies?
I felt really supported throughout the duration of my studies. The lecturers were always quick to respond to emails and willing to offer guidance whenever I needed it. Their approachability and encouragement made a huge difference, especially during challenging assignments, and it created a learning environment where I felt confident to ask questions and further develop my skills.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying here?
My advice to anyone thinking of studying at the University of Salford would be to take full advantage of everything the university and city has to offer. Explore, meet new people, and do not hold yourself back. As university gives a lot of life long friends and experiences.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
A typical day for me starts with planning out my priorities for the day. I usually spend part of the morning attending lectures or seminars on campus, where I take notes and engage in discussions with tutors and classmates. After classes, I often stay on campus or use the library to work on assignments, or prepare for upcoming assessments. After driving home, I usually take some time to relax and then either head to the gym or play football to stay active.
How many days a week are you on campus for teaching? How do you split your time between campus and your own learning/preparing for assessments?
I am on campus three days a week, where I attend lectures, and group sessions that provide valuable opportunities for discussion and hands-on learning. The remaining days I dedicate to independent study and assessment preparation, often working from home or in the university library. I use this time to review lecture materials, carry out research, and apply theoretical concepts to real-world case studies.
What do you think of the facilities and equipment? Is there anything you particularly enjoy using?
I really enjoy using the state of the art facilities. In particular the SEE building, as the technology within it positively enhances my learning.
What is your favourite thing about being a University of Salford student?
My favourite thing about being a University of Salford student is the strong connection between academic learning and real industry practice. The lecturers bring extensive professional experience from the construction sector, which makes the teaching highly relevant and engaging. I also really value the university’s focus on hands-on learning, where theory is applied to real projects and case studies that reflect current industry challenges.
Where do you want your degree to take you? What is your dream job and how do you think your degree will help you get there?
My long term goal is to own and manage my own construction company, leading projects that deliver high-quality, innovation, and sustainability. I’ve always been driven by the idea of creating something tangible and making a positive impact through the built environment. Owning my own company would allow me to combine my technical knowledge, leadership skills, and passion for construction to deliver projects that make a real difference.
My degree in Construction Project Management at the University of Salford is providing me with the essential skills and understanding needed to achieve this ambition. The course has strengthened my knowledge of project planning, cost management, and stakeholder coordination, while also developing my ability to lead teams and make strategic decisions. These skills will be crucial in running a business that is both efficient and client-focused.
In the future, I aim to continue to gain industry experience working within the sector before progressing into entrepreneurship. My degree is giving me the confidence and foundation to take that next step and eventually establish a successful construction company of my own.