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Sherry Woodhouse

from working as a waitress to Submissions Manager
I use words and images to win billions in work
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
Fulton Hogan - Sponsored by Construction Pathways
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • What I do on a daily basis in my role
  • Why I love what I do
  • The challenges you can face in construction
  • If technology has changed the way I do my job

About me

  • International Experience

I lacked a clear career path after school. In year 10, a 3-day multimedia class at the University of Queensland sparked my interest in the field, and I planned to pursue it after high school. However, family influence steered me towards an undergraduate degree in Information Technology (Systems).

After graduating during the Dot Com bubble, I spent a year in Taiwan working in marketing, as an executive assistant, and teaching English.

When I returned to Australia, I completed a graduate degree in Business and went on to work across multiple industries, including drilling (coal seam gas), engineering, software, recruitment, psych testing, and non-profits, in roles spanning administration and web design.

During the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, I applied for a role I wasn’t fully qualified for in an effort to avoid redundancy. That decision led me to submissions and into the construction industry, where I’ve been ever since.

About my role

  • Analytical
  • Curious
  • Disciplined
  • Firm
  • Flexible
  • Focused
  • Logical
  • Meticulous
  • Observant
  • Passionate
  • Rational
  • Reliable
  • Resourceful
  • Serious
  • Studious
  • Thorough

The role of a Submissions professional is to create, organise, and submit responses to questions from prospective clients, such as local, state, or federal governments. These clients typically ask about the company’s experience in different construction settings, safety records, design processes, construction method, workforce management, and approaches to environmental and social sustainability. This includes practices like hiring locally, training young people from diverse backgrounds, adopting innovative technologies, and reusing materials in construction.

In this role, one gains insight into various aspects of the construction business and its positive contributions. Winning work not only secures projects - which means revenue for the business - but also ensures employment for valued colleagues and enables the company to deliver broader social benefits, such as supporting people with disabilities or those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Education

  • Undergraduate in Information Technology
  • Graduate Degree in Business
  • Graphics courses (Indesign, Illustrator)
  • Submissions/proposals certification

Subjects

  • Art
  • Business Studies
  • Dance
  • Digital Design/Information Technology
  • English
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Languages
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Science

Hobbies

  • Cooking
  • Gaming
  • Gym
  • Pilates
  • Reading
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Writing
  • Yoga

Pets

  • 1 Cat

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Moved overseas
  2. Landed first job as an admin assistant
  3. Moved overseas again, working in various industries
  4. Made redundant
  5. Switched role and focus to construction

My typical day

My employer

Through UNIQ You's partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) we have been able to welcome construction Advisor's from CSQ's Major Contractor Partners. Read more about this Advisor's employer below. Fulton Hogan delivers high-quality infrastructure to improve the lives of people in Australia and New Zealand, every day. Our 9,000 strong team works in every kind of weather, creating, connecting, and caring for communities. After 90 years in business, we believe resilient infrastructure will help tackle the challenges of a changing world, and we will continue to invest and innovate to play our part.