How an RMIT scholarship put Sam on the fast track to a career in construction

Now in his final year, Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) student Sam Mandaliti is already working in his future career – undertaking a cadetship with leading Australian construction company, Kapitol. 

The opportunity came through the RMIT School of Property, Construction and Project Management's (PCPM) Employer of Choice program - an initiative that connects students with leading industry employers through events, mentorship and employment pathways. Through the program, Sam applied for and was awarded the highly competitive Kapitol Scholarship in 2025. The scholarship offers Construction Management students the opportunity to develop their academic learning and gain practical industry experience through a paid cadetship and graduate pathway within the organisation. 

Sam started his academic journey with an Advanced Diploma in Building Design (Architectural) in RMIT’s College of Vocational Education, which he then used as a pathway into the Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) in 2024. Drawn to the breadth and reputation of the degree, Sam found the opportunity for growth and the connection to industry to be the real selling point. 

"RMIT's reputation and accreditation in the built environment and construction industry initially stood out to me - but what really made the difference was the access to industry: the connections, the opportunities, and the chance to start building my career while I was still studying," he said. 

It was through events like the PCPM Careers Fair that Sam first connected with representatives from Kapitol. 

Sam credits the program with simplifying one of the more daunting aspects for students when seeking career opportunities, saying “the program takes the difficulty and stress out of finding graduate roles. Without the program, I'm not sure I would have known where to start." 

As a cadet, Sam has been working in the organisation’s structured ‘Elevate Early Careers Program’ for the last year, rotating through different modules and areas of the business. Through his role, Sam has gained practical experience across a range of project functions, including site logistics, safety and quality assurance, and assisting with the coordination of project packages between subcontractors and consultants. 

"The amount of knowledge and practical experience I've gained in just one year has been transformative," Sam said. "Working in the industry while completing my studies has had one of the most significant and beneficial impacts of my early career within the industry." 

Sam has also enrolled in the Industry Practical Experience elective as part of his degree at RMIT. The unit allows students already working in the industry to receive academic recognition for their on-the-job learning. He says it has not only helped him balance his study and workload but also given him space to reflect on his learning. 

"It's easy to get lost in both study and work," he said. "Enrolling in that elective gave me the space to sit back and reflect on what I'd achieved and how my studies and work experience connect." 

During his time at RMIT, Sam also took part in the RMIT School of Property, Construction and Project Management’s Global Built Environment Study Tour. The tour took students to Hong Kong and London, undertaking site visits to major construction and redevelopment projects that are reshaping how construction is delivered. 

For Sam, the Study Tour was invaluable to his learning, saying, “Taking part in the tour gave me firsthand insight into international delivery methods and practices, and expanded my curiosity of the construction industry beyond Australia.” 

As Sam heads into the final semester of his degree, he hopes to transition into a full-time role at Kapitol as a graduate – a pathway the company has embedded into its cadetship program and Early Career Development Program. 

"Knowing that there's a future for me at Kapitol and the opportunity to grow my experience and career by moving into different parts of the business makes a huge difference as I head towards graduation,” he said. 

Sam was also able to return to the PCPM Careers Fair earlier this year as a representative for Kapitol, sharing his experience with the next cohort of students considering their career options. 

"It was incredibly rewarding to share my experience with my peers and students who are just starting out, and hopefully I can show them what's possible when you take advantage of the opportunities RMIT and businesses like Kapitol have to offer,” he said. 

Sam's experience is one of many to have grown out of the Employer of Choice program, reflecting the strength of the School’s industry partnerships and the calibre of talented students and individuals its courses continue to produce. 

For Daniel McLinden, Partnerships and Engagement Project Lead, it’s not just about creating employment opportunities for students, it’s also about providing on-the-job learning. 

“The strongest outcomes come when education and industry work together. Employers consistently highlight the value of RMIT graduates’ practical experience, industry knowledge and work readiness,” he said. 

“By embedding opportunities for students to engage with industry throughout their studies, we help prepare graduates who can confidently contribute from the beginning of their careers in the built environment,” he continued. 

Ciara Fitzmaurice, Head of People and Culture at Kapitol, said the partnership with RMIT allows them to engage directly with emerging talent at a critical stage of their development. 

"Our partnership with RMIT gives us the opportunity to connect with talented people early in their careers and give them meaningful exposure to the industry while they're still studying. Through our Elevate Early Career Program, we can build on their experience with structured development, broad exposure and a clear pathway from cadetship into a graduate career," she said. 

"Students bring energy, curiosity and fresh thinking into the business, and we see enormous value in giving them the opportunity to apply what they're learning in a real project environment.” 

“Sam's journey is a great example of what this partnership can create when education and industry work closely together," she continued. 

Read more about the Employer of Choice Program. 

Learn more about the RMIT School of Property, Construction and Project Management.