A former journalism student whose ambition was to become a sports reporter has revealed how she instead ended up as boss of a construction firm.

Lucy O’Connor studied international journalism at Liverpool John Moores University but has now worked in the construction industry for 15 years after initially joining a graduate scheme.

Lucy, pictured, has since risen up to become a director at Crossfield Group.

The firm delivers building schemes ranging from £2m to £25m throughout the North-West of England.

Speaking to Business Live, Lucy said: “I studied International Journalism at LJMU with a dream of being a sports journalist, however upon completing my degree and not being really sure then on what I wanted to do, I decided to apply for some graduate schemes.

“One of the offers I received was on a non-graduate programme for a national construction company, and the rest they say is history.”

She added: “I swiftly moved into a number of different positions within the company whilst also moving down to London for a few years, and a decade later I had gained experience in bid management, marketing and communications, framework management, business development and social value.”

Lucy joined Liverpool-based Crossfield in 2017 and is optimistic for the future despite a “challenging year” due to the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “Liverpool is our home and this will always be the case. We’re local people who have grown up and been educated in Liverpool and we want to help shape our city.

“As part of this we’re keen to work with the city’s supply chain to ensure we keep the pound local, and help train young people to start their careers with us.

“We will also continue our work across the wider city region and the North West and will look to open more regional offices as well as find a new Liverpool HQ having grown out of our current office in Speke.”