Christina Joby Maria

Christina's Turner & Townsend journey 

Q. Christina, how did your career with Turner & Townsend begin? 

A. I joined Turner & Townsend as a Junior Consultant right after completing my master’s programme at UCL.  

It's been an incredible experience transitioning from academic life to a professional environment that values continuous learning and development – I’m very content in my role. 

Q. Can you tell us what a typical day in sustainability looks like for you?

A. It’s tough because almost every day is different! It depends on the projects I’m working on. I could be involved in energy audits one day, for example calculating whole life-cycle carbon emissions, and collaborating on building-related projects the next, helping clients to achieve their net-zero targets.

It’s a dynamic environment where the needs of the project dictate the day’s activities. Also, regular team meetings and status updates are part of the routine – making sure the team stay aligned and are as collaborative as possible. 

Q. What’s your favourite part of your job? 

A. To be honest, I love that I’m constantly learning. Each project brings new challenges and learning opportunities, from understanding cutting-edge sustainability measures to working directly with clients and subcontractors to achieve net zero and decarbonise buildings. This variety keeps the job exciting and intellectually stimulating – which is so important. 

Q. Why is Turner & Townsend a great place to work if your role is in sustainability? 

A. Turner & Townsend values everyone’s opinion and creates a culture of inclusion. We work on interesting projects with major clients, from global energy companies to banking corporations and governments, which gives us excellent exposure and learning opportunities. 

Also, we have structured career progression and the chance to gain sustainability skills by earning Associate Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) accreditation – which are significant advantages. 

Q. In your time with the company, is there a project that stands out as your favourite? If so, what makes that particular project memorable for you? 

A. It’s hard to pick, but two projects stand out for me in particular. The first has been working on the greenest building in London. It’s involved a lot of research on innovative sustainability measures and collaborating closely with architects and designers, so it’s been very in-depth and I’ve learnt a lot. 

The second project is for a local council, where we conduct energy audits for businesses. Each site visit offers unique insights and challenges, making it an enriching experience. 

Q. Can you describe the culture at Turner & Townsend?  

A. Our team culture is dynamic, collaborative and inclusive. We are given a lot of freedom to work on different projects and voice our preferences. I think that this openness fosters a supportive and engaging work environment. 

Q. In your time in your role, has there been anything that’s surprised you? 

A. Yes, the level of collaboration and flexibility has been a pleasant surprise. I initially thought I would be confined to a specific area of sustainability, but I’ve had the freedom to work across an array of projects. This flexibility has been a great learning experience and has allowed me to develop a broad skill set. 

Q. How do you feel about the opportunities available for career progression and development in sustainability? 

A. Career progression at Turner & Townsend is well structured with regular performance reviews that help us plan and set targets.

There are also loads of opportunities for skill-based progression through graduate competency workshops, a learning and development group with a monthly newsletter and free training courses, lunch and learn sessions, and networking events. And the IEMA accreditation opportunity is another significant advantage for career development – I would recommend that! 

Q. Turner & Townsend’s three company values are ‘love a challenge’, ‘bring out the best in everyone’ and ‘stronger together’. What company value do you align with most and why?  

A. I think I align most with ‘love a challenge’. Probably because I enjoy pushing my boundaries and discovering new strengths and areas for improvement. Taking on unfamiliar tasks helps me learn more and broaden my expertise, which is essential for personal and professional growth. 

Q. You mentioned previously that Turner & Townsend is an inclusive environment, but how have you personally experienced inclusion in your workplace? 

A. Hybrid working is a significant benefit for me because I find that I am more productive this way, especially considering the distance between my home and the London office. Additionally, there are regular awareness campaigns and workshops on topics like mental and physical health and stress management. We also have inclusion moments during team meetings where we discuss various issues, which helps raise awareness and promote inclusivity.  

I’d add that senior management and line managers are always open to discussing any concerns you may have. Plus, working in a global company means you work with people from all different types of backgrounds and cultures. This all in turn makes Turner & Townsend an inclusive place to work.  

Q. What do you personally do to encourage inclusion at Turner & Townsend?  

A. I always try to be empathetic and considerate towards my colleagues. Listening to others and being open to their perspectives is so important. During meetings and presentations, I make sure to include inclusion moments to spread awareness and foster a more inclusive environment. 

Q. Fantastic, thank you for speaking with us today Christina. But before you go, do you have any tips for people applying to work at Turner & Townsend? 

A. My number-one tip is to be confident in what you know and don’t be afraid to showcase your skills – you're always appreciated for who you are at Turner & Townsend. Remember that progress is valued over perfection at Turner & Townsend! It’s about always learning and being flexible.  

Also, take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it challenges you, as this will help you grow and improve. Networking before joining the company can also provide valuable insights and help you prepare better for your role.