"The construction manager is Jack-of-all-trades on site. It goes without saying that you have to deliver high-quality results within the construction period."

by Manager Cho Min-do (Hillstate Hakik construction site, Quality Management Team)

Q Please tell us about your job.

I am in charge of construction management and building in the Hill State Hakik On-Site Project Execution Team. The main tasks of the construction manager are presenting quality standards, inspection, process management, and safety management. There are many variables on site, such as weather, human resources, and civil complaints, and my role is to wisely deal with those situations. We also have an obligation to provide high-quality results to our customers (clients) within the promised period. 

Q When was the most rewarding moment during your work?

It was when something I pointed out on site was properly corrected, and the result was also good. It seems trivial, but there’s nothing that makes me feel more proud than having a small opinion reflected and being helpful on-site (laughs). When I manage construction, I sometimes meet workers who complain, “Why are you so picky? Others would say this is good quality.” Every time I get that, I answer, “Because we are Hyundai E&C.” I feel proud of our company when I see them agree with me just by hearing our name.

Q What skills do you think you need as a construction manager?

Determination and a positive mindset. As every minute and second on-site is linked to the cost, the key for me as a manager is how we plan, direct, and manage work in a timely manner. Because I work at construction sites, the working environment cannot always be good. There is a difference in outcome between someone who often visits the site and thinks “learning is fun” and someone who views it as “difficult.” We need a positive mind to overcome any situation. 

Q Is there a corporate culture of Hyundai E&C that you are very proud of?

What surprised me the most after joining the company was that Hyundai E&C has a corporate culture that respects each member’s opinion. Many times, I was moved by the seniors supporting my opinion even when I was a new recruit. They knew that mistakes were what helped me grow, so they gave me generous advice, yet allowed me to work autonomously. This atmosphere is a driving force that allowed me to enjoy working. 

Q Could you say a word to juniors who dream of working at Hyundai E&C?

First of all, “do something now, whatever it is.” I’m not just telling you to build specifications. As I wrote my personal statement and prepared for an interview, I resented and questioned how can I actually show who I really am with a few words and a short meeting? It was regrettable that I had to introduce myself in fragments. But looking back, my past activities already expressed who I am. It would be nice if you could gain experience related to construction, but it’s okay if it’s something else. So, do something right now. The second is to summarize why you want to work at Hyundai E&C and align whether the image that Hyundai E&C looks for in a recruit matches with aspects of your character. When preparing to join us, I would also recommend maintaining a humble attitude that emphasizes your strengths but acknowledges your weaknesses. I didn’t imagine that I would wear a safety helmet with Hyundai E&C’s CI while preparing for a job. Anyone who prepares for Hyundai E&C is very talented, I’m sure. Knock on the door with confidence!