Declan Fahy is studying Business and Financial Management at Sheffield Hallam University. Declan is currently on a year placement at CBRE as a Hallam Alliance Programme Coordinator, one of the members of the Sheffield Hallam Alliance

Working in partnership

The Sheffield Hallam Alliance is the first of its kind in the UK for a university building programme. The Alliance involves all design, construction and facilities management partners working collaboratively with the client through all stages of design, construction and operation. Members of the Alliance include Sheffield Hallam University, BDP ARUP (design), BAM (construction) and CBRE (Facilities Management).

The student experience

Being involved in an industry-first project like the Sheffield Hallam Alliance is fascinating. As a Hallam student on a year placement with CBRE, it has helped me develop in all aspects of my career and I have had the opportunity to be involved in projects which will shape the face of Sheffield for the future.

I have enjoyed every week working on the Alliance constantly learning new processes and ways of working. I am regularly surrounded by industry experts in every sector of the built environment industry, ranging from project managers and estates to architects and design managers, who are not afraid to explain complicated processes in simple ways for the benefit of myself and others in the room; allowing me to understand concepts properly, developing my confidence and knowledge within the construction industry.

My time with CBRE has enabled me to properly develop as a professional as I have continuously improved my communication, financial and time management skills whilst being able to gain career advice from top levels of management within the business. I have been supported with every task and my team are extremely friendly making it easy to ask questions; creating a sound learning environment.

Building for the future

For me, one of the things that has made my placement so fascinating and rewarding is that I am working on buildings which will make Sheffield City Centre a better and greener place – the new buildings on Howard Street will be net-zero carbon ready and feature a new green public space at the heart of our campus. This has instilled a sense of pride into all my work and I know what I am doing will have benefits for many years to come.

My year on placement has created an opportunity for me to be a part of building opportunities for future students - the mock trading floor in the Sheffield Business School will give students the opportunity to get a feel for their future working environment, before stepping onto a real trading floor for the first time.

Seeing the buildings being built from the ground up and participating on site visits has made my placement with CBRE extremely enjoyable. It has allowed me to have an active practical placement as I get to regularly see the physical side to the work I do.

One of the highlights of my placement with CBRE was the Hallam Alliance Topping Out Ceremony in June. Seeing the Alliance come together to celebrate their work with the Mayor of South Yorkshire really emphasised how important these buildings are to Sheffield and the region. I’m excited to see the buildings finished as a gateway to Sheffield and state of the art facilities for future students and be able to say “I was part of that”.