Get to know the team: Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor is part of rhi's experienced Quantity Surveying (QS) team, based in the UK. Since joining in 2020, his career has already taken him to Kazakhstan to work on one of rhi's largest and longest-running projects. We reached out to Ross to learn more about his career as a QS and what advice he has for anyone looking to further their career.
Can you tell us about your career with rhi so far?
Since starting at rhi in 2020, I have had the opportunity to contribute to two significant projects in diverse industries. Within the larger of these two projects, I have collaborated with multiple teams, aiming to deliver high-quality work efficiently. I have spent time working in Kazakhstan, working alongside the client, contractors and local employees.
What made you become a Quantity Surveyor, and what took you in the direction of your career?
Interestingly, my entry into Quantity Surveying originated from my involvement in the Scout Movement during secondary school. As a young leader in Cubs and Scouts, a committee member from my local group, who owned a Quantity Surveying firm, offered me work experience at 16. That week solidified my passion for the field, and I spent nine years working for that company before joining rhi.
It highlights the importance of community involvement, as you never know who you might meet and what opportunities may arise through networking.
At rhi we are passionate about our values: Care, Commitment, Courage, and Our behaviours (Listen Up, lift others up, stand up, team up, speak up, don’t give up). What resonates most with you?
For me, care is a pivotal element in the workplace. Collaboration is inherent in every job, and showing care and respect for everyone around us is critical to successful collaboration. Caring and supportive colleagues benefits and motivates everyone, making it one of the most crucial aspects of any job.
Describe how you have grown professionally since you started working for us.
My previous experience was primarily in the buildings industry, so working at rhi has significantly broadened my knowledge and experience across various industries. I've also had the opportunity to work in larger teams, introducing me to a different dynamic. The experience of working in Kazakhstan, my first international assignment, has further honed my skills in a different cultural context.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I am passionate about gaming, cars, cleaning cars (I can spend up to 20 hours on one car), home DIY, fitness & bodybuilding and learning about personal finance and investing.
What key learnings from your experience so far would you like to share?
In my experience, self-confidence (in the right measure), effective communication, and honesty are crucial in any career. Confidence, in particular, is a driving force that motivates us to work hard and strive for new achievements. Communication is often overlooked, yet it is essential for efficient collaboration, mutual assistance, and seeking help when needed. Despite potential fears, honesty can be the differentiating factor in achieving personal goals. Being transparent about your goals and how you plan to achieve them with colleagues and managers can open new opportunities and set a clear path for your career.
What excites you most about the future of rhi?
Since joining rhi, I've witnessed the company venturing into new sectors like data centers, lithium mining, and hydrogen. The prospect of being involved in these innovative steps forward as a company is particularly fascinating to me. I'm looking forward to seeing rhi grow and diversify into different sectors.