Rebekkah Channer

From a London graduate to a Senior Cost Consultant on some of the Middle East’s largest projects, Rebekkah Channer is building a global career and setting an example for women and people from all backgrounds, showcasing where a career in quantity surveying can take you.

How did you get into what you do?

I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I was younger, so I looked at a few different industries and pathways, and I thought that I really liked real estate and property. But then someone told me that to be a property developer you need lots of money which I didn’t have!

I thought I’d try and find something else and both my parents work in construction – my mum works in construction fleet and my dad is a tradesman. So, I went to both of their workplaces and spoke to a few people who said I should be a quantity surveyor as they had an important role on site. I wanted to be an important person! So I decided to study quantity surveying at university.

While I was studying at university, I did a summer placement with Mace and then I was offered the opportunity to come back as a graduate. So, I joined the Mace graduate development programme in 2017, and my career started from there.

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Mace?

I love being able to work on big projects here in the Middle East and there's such a range in the type of work we do. Clients here really want to push the boundaries of ambition and I like that because you don't feel limited. 

I also like that I get to work with key clients across the entire region and a range of sectors. I've had the chance to work on projects in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman and Saudi Arabia in sectors like residential, commercial property, pharma, tourism, hospitality, attractions and masterplanning. It's a really great experience!

How do you redefine the boundaries of ambition?

I grew up on an estate in Brixton, South London and am the first person in my family to go to university. I was also the first person in my family to move abroad when I came to Dubai 18 months ago. I like to think I’ve proved that your background doesn’t define your future.

What has been your proudest achievement at Mace so far?

There are two main ones.

Firstly, becoming a chartered surveyor because that was a big goal of mine and something I was really nervous about. It normally takes around two to three years to become chartered and there’s a lot of work that goes into it. I managed to pass first time after two and a half years and that was a big achievement for me.

Another one is my journey at Mace. I’m proud to have joined Mace as a graduate, become chartered and get to where I am as a Senior Cost Manager living in Dubai.

What motivates you everyday?

Again, there’s a couple of things. One is having an end goal to work towards. I think sometimes you can go to work and feel like you’re doing the same thing on most days, but working on projects like we do means we can see them through to completion. So, for example if you start working on a hotel project at the beginning it’s great to be able to visit the hotel when it’s finished and show your family and friends.

The other thing that motivates me is being a role model to other young women in my family. I’ve got young cousins who recently came out to Dubai with their families for my wedding and it was really nice for them to be able to see where I live and work, and I hope it inspires them to work hard too.

What skills do you need to be good at your job?

I would say being a clear and confident communicator is key. When you’re dealing with a client’s money, the advice you give them has to be clear and understandable to build trust and a strong relationship. You also need to be flexible and adaptable because we work across a number of sectors so you have to have a good skillset that you can use whenever you need it.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

If you’re at the beginning of your career and you know this is the industry you want to get into, then try and undertake a specific course for it. So, for example I knew I wanted to get into quantity surveying, so I studied it at university, and I think that was really important for building a foundation and understanding the industry. Doing an apprenticeship is another good way to start!

I also think networking is key. Keeping your LinkedIn account updated and maintaining relationships with connections is really important, especially if you’re looking for a job or looking to move jobs.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

This has changed since I moved to Dubai. When I was living in the UK, I really enjoyed football and I used to play every week. But since I’ve moved here, I haven’t been playing much at all, so I do different activities instead. There’s so many to try here! I’ve tried badminton, shark diving and racing dune buggies. There’s always something new to try so I’m really enjoying that.

If you hadn’t got into this line of work what do you think you might be doing?

One of two things, and they’re very different! I would have either gone down the real estate path or I would have been an actress! I did a lot of performing arts while I was growing up and ran a dance school for children in the local area when I was living in the UK, which I really enjoyed.