PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Zara Jahangiri—General Contractors Association - Toronto Award for the Masters of Project Management
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Zara Jahangiri—General Contractors Association - Toronto Award for the Masters of Project Management
About the Award
General Contractors Association - Toronto Award for the Masters of Project Management:
For overall excellence and a demonstrated interest in project management is presented to fourth year students.
My journey into Project Management in the Built Environment (PMBE) at Toronto Metropolitan University is a blend of my academic background, work experience, and personal passions. With a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in International Law, I initially focused on systems, policies, and legal frameworks. However, working as a journalist in the oil and gas sector, where I reported on major infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and petrochemical plants, sparked a fascination with the planning and execution that goes into complex construction projects. This experience motivated me to pursue formal studies in project management.
I chose the PMBE program at Toronto Metropolitan University for its full-scope approach to construction projects, covering both management and technical aspects from planning through execution. The program offers a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, precisely what I needed to prepare for the challenges of today’s construction industry. Through the curriculum, I gained valuable insights into budgeting, scheduling, contract negotiation, construction project management, project planning, project execution, strategic leadership, and conflict resolution.
During my academic journey, I had the opportunity to work on complex projects, where I developed strong skills in project management, risk analysis, scheduling, and budgeting to ensure projects stay on time and within budget. One notable example was a feasibility study I conducted as project manager for a mixed-use development at 150 Laird Drive, as part of the Integrated Project Planning course. Our team assessed the potential for redeveloping this site into residential units with retail spaces. We developed a work breakdown structure (WBS) to manage the project phases—design, procurement, construction, and closeout—and carried out a comprehensive financial analysis using MS Project and Excel to calculate costs and projected revenues. We anticipated a 13.95% Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and identified potential risks, such as regulatory challenges and market fluctuations, which enhanced my skills in scope management, budgeting, scheduling, and risk mitigation.
A defining moment in my studies was receiving the 2024 General Contractors Association of Toronto Award, a $5000 honor that recognized my commitment to project management. This award has boosted my confidence and strengthened my resolve to pursue a career as a project manager or legal contract manager, where I can combine my background in law and project management to lead impactful construction projects.
General Contractors Association - Toronto Award for the Masters of Project Management:
For overall excellence and a demonstrated interest in project management is presented to fourth year students.
My journey into Project Management in the Built Environment (PMBE) at Toronto Metropolitan University is a blend of my academic background, work experience, and personal passions. With a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in International Law, I initially focused on systems, policies, and legal frameworks. However, working as a journalist in the oil and gas sector, where I reported on major infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and petrochemical plants, sparked a fascination with the planning and execution that goes into complex construction projects. This experience motivated me to pursue formal studies in project management.
I chose the PMBE program at Toronto Metropolitan University for its full-scope approach to construction projects, covering both management and technical aspects from planning through execution. The program offers a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, precisely what I needed to prepare for the challenges of today’s construction industry. Through the curriculum, I gained valuable insights into budgeting, scheduling, contract negotiation, construction project management, project planning, project execution, strategic leadership, and conflict resolution.
During my academic journey, I had the opportunity to work on complex projects, where I developed strong skills in project management, risk analysis, scheduling, and budgeting to ensure projects stay on time and within budget. One notable example was a feasibility study I conducted as project manager for a mixed-use development at 150 Laird Drive, as part of the Integrated Project Planning course. Our team assessed the potential for redeveloping this site into residential units with retail spaces. We developed a work breakdown structure (WBS) to manage the project phases—design, procurement, construction, and closeout—and carried out a comprehensive financial analysis using MS Project and Excel to calculate costs and projected revenues. We anticipated a 13.95% Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and identified potential risks, such as regulatory challenges and market fluctuations, which enhanced my skills in scope management, budgeting, scheduling, and risk mitigation.
A defining moment in my studies was receiving the 2024 General Contractors Association of Toronto Award, a $5000 honor that recognized my commitment to project management. This award has boosted my confidence and strengthened my resolve to pursue a career as a project manager or legal contract manager, where I can combine my background in law and project management to lead impactful construction projects.
