In a field traditionally dominated by men, Barira Mubarak is breaking barriers within the civil engineering industry. As an assistant quantity surveyor for Barhale, she has already earned the accolade – most promising trainee quantity surveyor at the CECA southern awards for her contribution and this is just the beginning of her journey. In the wake of this achievement, Barira talks to our Comms team where she shares her background, her commitment to the role, her job as an assistant QS and what she sees in store for herself in the future.

Background and education

Barira joined Barhale in November 2022, on a part time basis, whilst still studying for her BSc in Quantity Surveying at Kingston University. In April 2023, Barira decided to go full time, while still completing her degree, a testament to her work ethic and subsequently achieved a first-class honours, a great achievement.

Work experience and responsibility

Despite no previous experience before joining Barhale, within a year she was taking the lead with her own projects with support from her line manager. Barira has proven herself and given this extra level of responsibilities in the process, has cultivated superb working relationships with clients. She identifies changes from the original scope of works and manages these changes with the client and project teams. Barira is currently working on enabling works for the electrification of Lots Road for Thames Water and has previously been involved on the Island Barn, ML2 Reinforcement, William Girling Valves and Wraysbury reservoir projects. Barira’s duties on a day-to-day basis include forecasting costs and updating cash flow, managing sub-contractors and ensuring payments are made on time. Her job comprises a hybrid pattern with site visits, office working and working from home. Barira is a trusted member of the team and as a result of her performance, she has been allocated greater responsibility with several new contracts and key contract personnel relying on her commercial guidance. Barira’s line manager share his thoughts on Barira contribution to the Barhale team.

“Barira is an ambitious, self-motivated individual, whose commitment and work ethic embody the Barhale values. She has cultivated excellent relationships internally and externally, whilst developing her knowledge on all the necessary processes and procedures. Barira has been a great asset to the commercial team since joining in 2022 and has a bright future ahead of her. I am sure there will be more to come.” Jack Gaughan, senior quantity surveyor (southern region).

Commitment to her role and long-term goals

One of Barira‘s key attributes is her ability to pick up commercial concepts quickly and apply them within her work. This has accelerated her progress through the basic commercial functions and she has carried these principles forward into her own projects. Furthermore, Barira is keen to develop her skills further and readily engages in training to support her role. “My progression has been good. When I started, I had no clue about the role but I have made a lot of progress. I have done training, which includes NEC and excel training, water hygiene and risk management – all of which has helped my skills.” Barira shares that long term she would like to possibly become a chartered surveyor.

Interests and hobbies

Barira enjoys travelling, exploring different parts of the world and seeing different cultures. Her favourite place that she has visited recently was Switzerland. Barira also has an interest in beauty treatments and loves doing other people’s make up.

 Last words

“I would really recommend working for Barhale. People are so supportive and very helpful. I personally was eased into my role and I am thoroughly enjoying it.”