Nicholas Hudson

Tell us about yourself – what are your qualifications?  Where did you study? When did you join APP? What is your current role? What made you choose APP?

I studied at Sydney University completing a B. Environmental Science. Nearing the completion of my degree I was searching for another career path than becoming an environmental consultant as I wanted to make a difference and help the environment without being limited by the expectations of a client on a predetermined outcome. My sister who was working in the projects division at APP at the time, suggested I go into Project Management as they are the ones who create the briefs for consultants and have the best possible influence on client objectives and project outcomes. From there I got an interview in Urban Development Sydney and in 2006, still finishing off my degree, started as an Assistant Project Manager. It was the beginning of the Graduate Program for APP. Now, over 5 years later I am a Project Manager working in Canberra having moved here to pursue my rowing dreams and create new opportunities for APP in the Canberra market.

How has APP assisted in accommodating your Olympic aspirations?

From the first day I started my new job APP encouraged me to pursue elite rowing and assisted by providing the time required to train effectively. Any elite sport aiming for Olympic standards demand hours and hours of training and commitment each day that APP understood which is surprisingly rare in the business world. In return I applied my ability to manage time and project commitments driving for results just like I would through my rowing. This was acquired through elite sport teaching the balance between work, rowing, and life pressures.

Describe the culture/environment/people at APP?

I found the biggest influence of the culture is the importance placed on balance of work and life. Working weekends was very frowned upon and drinks on Friday were a great event to look forward to. The people are the cornerstone of the company feeling like a giant family where support during busy periods is always available for fellow colleagues and good laugh was never far away. The people also create an open and inviting environment where innovation in reaching our goals is encouraged without compromising the work/life balance.

Without this focus on work/life balance I would not have succeeded in my goals for elite rowing or in developing my career as a project manager. APP has provided these opportunities through its values for the employees and the focus on living life, not working it away.