Maria Cortez – Quantity Surveyor

I am Maria Elena Cortez. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. I have eight years of work experience as a Quantity Surveyor. I worked at QS consultancy firms and main contractors. My project exposure includes high rise projects (mixed used development), residential houses, land development and public housing. I handled projects during pre-construction stage and post-construction stage. As a QS, I am well knowledgeable in taking off quantities for civil, structural and architectural works using estimation software such as CostX and Bluebeam; and contract management.

I started my career as a QS in 2012. For my first job, I was hired as a trainee QS at an international construction consultancy firm (Landon and Seah Philippines Inc., now Arcadis). After months of trainings, I was promoted to permanent QS position, I was assigned to a team which handles preparation of BOQ for projects from Langdon and Seah Hongkong.

My dedication and hard work paid off when I was given my first project where I would handle all the quantity surveying works from pre to post tender stage. It is a mixed used development owned by Shang Properties. As this is my first local project, I did all my best to carry out the tasks that were assigned to me. With the help of my senior colleagues and managers, my skills and knowledge about quantity surveying was honed and developed – from cost planning to preparation of final account. Sadly, after almost three years, I decided to tender my resignation to focus on taking care of my first born. During that time, my son was only seven months old. As a mother I found it hard to be with my child during weekends only, since I have to stay in Metro Manila on weekdays.

Fortunately, soon after my resignation, a project was proposed near our place. When I learned that they were looking for project staffs, I immediately applied. I was hired by one of the top construction companies in the Philippines (Makati Development Corporation) as the project QS of a land development and housing project owned by Ayala Land, Inc. Here I experience working closely to site personnel’s – from engineers to construction workers. I became more proficient in cost planning, preparation of BOQ, assessment of variation orders and contract management were during my time with MDC.

Then, I was given an opportunity to work abroad. With enthusiasm to further develop my expertise and a positive mindset to earn more for my family, I flew to Dubai and worked as a project QS for main contractor (Fujairah National Construction). My main task at FNC is to assist the head QS on assessment of billing and variation order. But due to economic recession the company decided to layoff some personnel. Since I am a newbie to the team, I am one of those who got terminated.

When I returned to the Philippines, one of my colleagues from my first job contacted me and invited me to take part on the interview for a Singaporean company (Surbana Jurong Pte Ltd). SJ acquired a company which has an office in Manila. After months of waiting, they called me back and offered a position as a QS. Our team handled public housing projects from Singapore. My main task is to assess variation orders and final account. My work experience in SJ enhanced my skill in sourcing out cost and price from vendors and contractors. I would say if given a choice I would love stay with this company. But the pandemic hit the Philippines, I decided to resign from my position because I cannot put my family at risk. Staying with the company means I would travel back and forth to Metro Manila (the epicenter of the virus in PH).

During this time I realized that I should find an work where I can earn money without leaving the house. I started searching for freelance jobs. Then I saw a job posting from Virtual Assistant Team. Reading the success stories of the VAs gave me inspiration that I can continue practicing my career and can further develop my expertise while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

With my skills and knowledge, I confidently believe that I can also be a successful VA. I look forward in using them to contribute positively to the company and its clients.

For a copy of Maria’s resume please click here.