Samuel P. Giokaris
Newcastle / Sydney,NSW
Summary
A highly motivated and dedicated third year Construction Management student with a strong academic foundation and practical experience balancing work and study commitments. As a student at the University of Newcastle, I offer a robust foundation in project coordination, WHS principles, and digital construction tools. My dedication to this field began in 2022, following a year of study in Law/Criminology, which instilled rigorous attention to detail and procedural compliance. My diverse experience in high-pressure retail has honed my ability to translate client needs into clear specifications and apply WHS knowledge directly to operational risk mitigation and hazard containment. Eager to secure a Construction Cadetship in Sydney and committed to immediately relocating, my long-term goal is to progress into a Construction Manager role, ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality project delivery.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Customer Service (Part-Time)
Kingsgrove Sports
Newcastle
07.2024 - Current
- Financial Documentation: Managed quoting and invoicing processes for key sporting clubs and institutional clients, ensuring correct financial documentation and adherence to account terms.
- Consultative Sales: Provided proactive, technical advice on sporting equipment & installations, successfully translating vague client needs into clear product specifications and achieving consistent positive customer feedback.
- Logistics & Inventory: Maintained inventory accuracy across stock items and managed supply chain expectations from Sydney-based stores, ensuring team commitments to clients and clubs were met.
Sales & Inventory Management (Part-Time)
Bunnings Warehouse
Glendale
06.2022 - 07.2024
- Site Safety & WHS: Operated consistently within the strict WHS environment of the trade sector, proactively identifying and mitigating hazards including spills, trip hazards, and ensuring safe forklift and dangerous goods containment protocols were followed.
- High-Volume Performance: Successfully managed daily sales targets and consistently navigated high-pressure retail environments to resolve customer disputes related to building material specifications.
- Issue Resolution: Demonstrated expertise in the prompt resolution of logistical issues (delivery discrepancies, stock shortages) while maintaining high customer satisfaction scores.
Junior Legal Assistant
Jarrett Webb & Barrett Solicitors
Nelson Bay
10.2021 - 01.2022
- Professional Communication: Managed incoming and outgoing phone enquiries, professionally scheduled appointments, and maintained clear client communication.
- Procedural Compliance: Ensured the confidentiality and compliance with formal legal procedures and documentation, demonstrating a high degree of discretion and adherence to protocol.
Education
Bachelor Of Construction Management (Building) (Honours) -
University Of Newcastle
Newcastle, NSW10-2026
High School Diploma -
St Stanislaus College
Bathurst01.2020
St Patrick's School
Lithgow01.2014
Skills
CONSTRUCTION & TECHNICAL SKILLS:
- Certification: Hold a White Card (General Construction Induction), fully compliant and ready for immediate site access and work
- Digital Tools: Proficient in construction-specific software including Revit (BIM modeling basics), Mudshark (Earthworks estimation)
- WHS & Compliance: Proven theoretical knowledge of WHS standards and site compliance, focused on the critical role of pre-emptive safety protocols and quality assurance on active sites
- Project Support: Experienced in utilising scheduling documentation to track academic project progress and assist in the management of pre-construction documentation
- Documentation: Ability to accurately read, interpret, and apply technical plans, specifications, and architectural drawings to real-world construction scenarios
- Risk Mitigation: Developed core analytical skills to identify potential risks (WHS, logistical) in project planning and everyday applicationTRANSFERRABLE
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Proven ability to rapidly analyse complex challenges (eg, logistical errors, product specifications) and contribute to efficient, practical resolutions in high-pressure environments
- Stakeholder communication: Strong interpersonal skills developed to effectively liaise with clients, colleagues, and institutional partners (sporting clubs, legal firms), ensuring clear and professional correspondence
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Experienced in working within diverse, goal-oriented teams (retail, academic groups, sports captaincy) to drive success and maintain high-quality outputs
- Adaptability & Organisation: Comfortable adjusting quickly to new methodologies and environments (eg, transitioning from Law to Construction, moving between work roles), with a proven record of managing multiple concurrent responsibilities
CHALLENGES & INDUSTRY-FOCUSED PROJECTS
Advanced Technical Achievement:
- Despite initial worry about complexity, I completed the 4000-level course, Construction Technology and Services (ARBE 4102), in the third year, achieving a High Distinction (HD, 85%). This demonstrates an advanced understanding of complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic services crucial for commercial projects.
Key Project: Disaster Resilience Plan (Singleton Council Collaboration)
- Scope & Delivery: Audited multiple existing community centres to assess their structural capacity and suitability for use as disaster relief staging buildings.
- Action & Result: Developed and presented a comprehensive remediation plan, recommending specific structural, accessibility, and utility upgrades required for each site to Singleton Council representatives to to reach adequate standing.
Accomplishments
- St Stanislaus College House Captain: Elected leadership role showcasing peer trust and organisational responsibility.
- Captain, 2nd XV Rugby & 2nd XI Cricket (St Stanislaus College): Led and mentored teams through competitive seasons, taking ownership of team morale, strategy, and on-field execution, demonstrating high-pressure decision-making and accountability.
- St Vincent De Paul Association Leader: Demonstrated commitment to community service and organisational management.
College Cantor Group: Participated in public performance, enhancing confidence and vocal clarity in faith.
References
- Mark Elliot, Deputy Head of College, St Stanislaus College, 0407274025, melliot@stannies.com
- Paul McDonald, Careers Advisor & Senior Mentor, St Stanislaus College, 0410453040, pmcdonald@stannies.com
- Arun Mukherjee, Manager, Kingsgrove Sports, 0408595455, newcastle.manager@kingsgrovesports.com.au
- Alex Clements, Year Coordinator, St Stanislaus College, 0411238431, aclements@stannies.com
Timeline
Retail Customer Service (Part-Time)
Kingsgrove Sports
07.2024 - Current
Sales & Inventory Management (Part-Time)
Bunnings Warehouse
06.2022 - 07.2024
Junior Legal Assistant
Jarrett Webb & Barrett Solicitors
10.2021 - 01.2022
Bachelor Of Construction Management (Building) (Honours) -
University Of Newcastle
High School Diploma -
St Stanislaus College
St Patrick's School