Sabrina Mackin is Arcadis Director, Ireland Market Leader, and Building Surveying Professional Group Chair of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). Based in Dublin, she loves long walks, nice meals, and spending time with friends and family.
In an interview with SCSI, Sabrina discusses her journey to her current role, biggest influences and proudest moments.
Gaining intial experience in surveying
Sabrina decided to pursue a career in surveying when she didn't get the grades for an Architecture degree course. "I heard about Building Surveying and I’m so happy I did!, she adds.
She studied for her chartership at Glasgow Caledonian University, a four-year sandwich course where her third year was spent in a small Building Surveying consultancy in Belfast.
Sabrina cites "good bosses and supportive peers" as the biggest influences on her career.
Proudest moments and favourite job aspects
One of her proudest moments in her career was her first day as a Director at Arcadis. What she enjoys most about her role with Arcadis is "meeting people, looking at buildings and solving problems." Yet, the worst parts are "doing roof inspections in the cold and rain," she says.
Important career advice for aspiring surveyors
Quoting the best bit of career advice she has ever received, Sabrina says: "One of my earliest bosses had this quote pinned up at his desk – 'The more you sweat in times of peace, the less you bleed in times of war' and I have always thought that was great."
So what is Sabrina's own advice for an aspiring surveyor: "Do it! It’s a good well-rounded career option, you get a good mix of being on-site and in the office or at your desk. Renumeration and benefits are generally good. Gender balance, diversity and inclusion is improving steadily."
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