Meet Penelope Boman, a participant in Johnstaff’s 2024 Graduate Program!
We recently caught up with Penelope to hear about her experience in the program, the projects that shaped her journey, and her advice for future graduates considering a career in client-side project management.
Penelope joined the graduate program after gaining experience across design, development, and project roles during university. She was looking for a pathway that would allow her to be more hands on with delivery, particularly on meaningful, community-focused projects.
“When I learned about the Education work Johnstaff was delivering for SINSW, it really aligned with what I wanted next: impactful projects, supportive teams, and the chance to build strong technical foundations.”
From day one, Penelope was trusted with real responsibilities, working closely with consultants, contractors, and SINSW teams. That early exposure helped her quickly build confidence and find her place within the project team environment. One of the standout experiences for Penelope has been her work on Gables New Public School, a major greenfield build.
“Being involved in everything from documentation and cost reporting to consultant coordination—and then seeing the development take shape on site, was incredibly rewarding. Watching a school come to life and knowing it will serve a whole community is something special.”
She also took on commissioning and defect close out responsibilities at North Narrabeen Public School, giving her hands on experience in one of the most sensitive and critical stages of a project.
“Managing practical completion and defects taught me a lot about communication, stakeholder balance, and accountability.”
So, what advice does she have for students thinking about applying?
“Be curious and willing to learn. You don’t need to know everything on day one, what matters is being organised, open minded, and comfortable asking questions. Those traits will take you a long way in a client-side environment.”
If you're looking to kick start your career in project management, the Johnstaff Graduate Program may be the perfect next step for you!
Find out more here: Careers
