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Mikaela Charlton

from Cafe waitress to Development Manager
I plan and oversee the development of residential projects, from inception to completion
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
McNab - Sponsored by Construction Pathways
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • How I decided what to do after graduating high school
  • How my interest in fashion and marketing led to property development
  • What I love most about working in property development

About me

After high school, I enrolled in university with an interest in fashion and marketing, though I wasn’t certain about my career direction. Initially considering a gap year, I chose to start university to broaden my horizons and meet new people. During my studies, I spent a lot of time traveling. It was in my final semester that I unexpectedly discovered a passion for property development. Our final project involved creating a marketing campaign for a new residential development. Collaborating with the development manager provided me with firsthand insight into the role, and I was fascinated by the mix of creativity, strategy, and problem-solving involved.

That experience sparked a clear direction for me, and I realised property development was what I wanted to pursue. After graduating, I immediately enrolled in a Bachelor of Property Economics to gain the technical knowledge needed for this career. Now I’m passionate about helping others find their own paths, just as I did. Particularly empowering more young women into the industry.

About my role

  • Curious
  • Decisive
  • Forthright
  • Humorous
  • Logical
  • Personable

A Residential Development Manager oversees the entire lifecycle of residential projects, ensuring a successful delivery from concept to settlement.

My key responsibilities include:

Site Acquisition: Identifying and securing suitable land for development.

Development Approval: Navigating the planning and regulatory processes to obtain necessary approvals.

Sales and Marketing Launch: Developing and executing strategies to market and sell the development.

Funding: Securing financing for the project through various options.

Construction: Overseeing the building phase to ensure timely and quality delivery.

Settlement: Managing the final stages of the project, including handover to buyers.

The role requires a blend of strategic planning, financial acumen, project management skills, and regulatory knowledge to successfully manage all phases of residential development. Equally important is strong interpersonal skills to engage and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders throughout the process.

Education

  • Grade 12 High School Certificate
  • Bachelor of Mass Communications
  • Bachelor of Property Economics

Subjects

  • Accounting
  • Art
  • Biology
  • Business Studies
  • Drama
  • English
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Camping
  • Golf
  • Gym
  • Pilates
  • Renovating
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Travel

15 year old me!!

“Stay open to unexpected opportunities; the most fulfilling paths often emerge from embracing the unplanned.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Enrolled in Bachelor of Mass Communication
  2. Travelled and remained open to new opportunities
  3. Completed Bachelor of Property Economics
  4. Gained a position as an Acquisitions Analyst
  5. Promoted to Assistant Development Manager and then Promoted to Development Manager

My typical day

My employer

Through UNIQ You’s partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) we have been able to welcome construction Advisors from CSQ’s Major Contractor Partners. Read more about this Advisors employer below. McNab is one of Australia’s largest and most trusted privately-owned construction, development, and property groups, generating around $1 billion annually. With long-term industry relationships and a group of businesses that includes award-winning construction, property developments, building revitalisation, building materials, construction hire, and skilled trades and labour, McNab is uniquely positioned to deliver certainty and quality in an ever-changing environment. Visit mcnab.net.au.