Helen Ekeopara

Helen was drawn to Derby’s strong reputation for practical, industry-focused teaching and its emphasis on construction as a people-led profession rather than a purely theoretical discipline.

Choosing the University of Derby

Helen chose to study at the University of Derby as an international student after carefully considering where she would best be supported to grow both academically and professionally.

The Construction Management course stood out for offering a balance between academic knowledge and real-world application. Its accreditation by professional bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) further reinforced Helen’s confidence that the course would equip her with industry-recognised skills and knowledge.

Helen’s decision to study at Derby was due to it being aligned closely with her long-term career ambitions.

A supportive and industry-relevant experience

Helen found the learning environment to be highly supportive and engaging. Lecturers were approachable and brought real industry experience into their teaching, which helped bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice.

Group projects, presentations, and case studies formed a core part of the course and reflected real construction challenges. These experiences allowed Helen to develop strong teamwork and communication skills while working alongside peers from a wide range of backgrounds. Graduating with a first-class degree was a proud milestone, but the collaborative learning and applied coursework were equally formative.

Personal and professional development

Helen’s studies at Derby played a significant role in shaping her personal and professional development. The course encouraged her to become more confident, organised, and self-driven, requiring her to manage deadlines, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for her own learning.

The practical nature of the course and its focus on industry standards provided Helen with a strong foundation for employment. As a result, the transition into professional roles after graduation felt far less daunting, and she continues to apply the skills developed at Derby in her career today.

"Derby helped me become more confident, organised, and self-driven — skills I still rely on every day."

Career progression and looking ahead

Since graduating, Helen has worked across the construction, property, and professional services sectors. Her experience includes site-based environments, operational support roles, document control, and people-focused positions within large organisations. In her current role, she coordinates information, supports teams, manages documentation, ensures compliance requirements are met, and liaises with stakeholders to help teams work efficiently and collaboratively.

One of Helen’s biggest successes since graduating has been her ability to transfer construction management knowledge into a variety of roles, contributing to both operational delivery and team wellbeing. Skills developed at Derby, particularly communication, organisation, problem-solving, teamwork, and an understanding of construction processes and compliance, have enabled her to add value quickly in professional settings.

Helen is keen to continue developing in roles at the intersection of construction, operations, and people, with a long-term ambition to progress into leadership positions where she can influence quality, processes, and positive working cultures.

Advice to students

Helen encourages current and prospective students to be curious, proactive, and open to new experiences throughout their studies. She emphasises the value of saying yes to opportunities such as site visits, shadowing professionals, group projects, and industry events, as these experiences help build confidence and provide insight into real working environments.

She also advises students not to feel pressured to have their career path fully mapped out from the start. Many of the skills developed during a degree, such as communication, organisation, and problem-solving, are highly transferable, and career paths often evolve in unexpected but positive ways.