Meet James Fulton, a participant in Johnstaff's Graduate Program!
Having recently completed the program, we caught up with James to hear about his experience transitioning from university to client-side project management, the lessons he's learnt so far, and his advice for students looking to start a career in the industry.
After completing a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) at RMIT in 2025, James joined Johnstaff eager to apply the skills he'd developed at university while continuing to learn in a collaborative project environment. "One of the things I enjoyed most about university was working with different people on different assignments. It taught me how to collaborate with a variety of personalities and teams, which directly relates to what I do now, working across different projects and with new people all the time."
As a Graduate, James works across multiple construction projects, supporting project teams, attending site visits, and collaborating with clients, consultants and contractors. The variety of the role has allowed him to build valuable industry relationships while gaining hands-on experience across all stages of project delivery. "I really enjoy working with a wide range of people. Every day is different, and I'm constantly learning while working through new challenges alongside the team."
One of the most rewarding parts of the role for James has been seeing projects evolve from concept through to completion. "We start with plans and ideas on paper, then over time watch the building come together through the efforts of the entire team. Seeing a completed project benefit clients and communities after all the work that's gone into it is incredibly rewarding."
Like many graduates, James has experienced a steep learning curve in his first professional role. However, he sees this as one of the most valuable aspects of the program. "The amount of information and responsibility can feel overwhelming at times, but I've learnt that being challenged is one of the best ways to grow. You're not expected to know everything as a graduate, and learning on the go has helped me build confidence and develop new skills quickly."
So, what advice does he have for students considering a career in project management? "Build good habits, be organised, accountable and willing to learn. Don't be afraid to face new challenges, as that's where growth happens. Most importantly, focus on your own journey and on how you can continue improving every day."
👏 Congratulations James, on completing the Johnstaff Graduate Program. We look forward to seeing your continued growth and success as you progress your career at Johnstaff! If you're looking to kick start your career in project management, the Johnstaff Graduate Program could be the perfect place to begin. 🚀x
