Published
What happens when some of the brightest talent in major projects walks away? What would it take to make staying a realistic and sustainable choice?
Former Major Projects Association Rising Stars are invited to take part in an important new research study, Sustainable Careers of Major Project Professionals. Led by the Leeds Centre for Projects (University of Leeds) and The Project Hub (University College London), with the support of the Major Projects Association, the study explores why talented professionals leave careers in major projects and what needs to change to support more sustainable and more fulfilling career paths.
Why this research matters
Major projects depend on skilled, resilient professionals, yet the sector continues to lose talented people earlier than expected.
Building on insights from the Association’s No More Heroes report, this research examines:
• How wellbeing and performance expectations influence career longevity
• Why high-potential professionals choose to leave major projects
• How organisations can better support sustainable, fulfilling careers
Using a sustainable careers framework, the research will generate practical insights to help strengthen the talent pipeline and support future leaders.
Why your voice is essential
You have been invited because you were recognised as a Rising Star.
It does not matter when you were a Rising Star:
• Five years ago or fifteen
• Whether you stayed in major projects or moved on
• Whether you are thriving or chose a different path
Your experience, including the decisions you have made along the way, will help build a clearer and more honest picture of career sustainability in the major projects sector.
What taking part involves
You are invited to take part in a facilitated focus group to discuss your experiences. Each focus group will involve five to eight participants and will last approximately 90 to 120 minutes.
Sessions are conversational rather than evaluative, with a facilitator guiding discussion and encouraging participants to openly share their perspectives. Focus groups will take place in person in Leeds, Birmingham and London.
When and where will the focus groups take place?
The focus groups will be held in early 2026, with multiple time slots available at each location.
Leeds
Thursday 15 January 2026
10:00am–12:00pm
12:30pm–2:30pm
3:00pm–5:00pm
University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 3AA
Birmingham
Thursday 5 February 2026
11:00am–1:00pm
2:00pm–4:00pm
Tetra Tech, 4th Floor
1 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3NH
London
Wednesday 11 February 2026
2:30pm–4:30pm
5:00pm–7:00pm
Tait Room, Institution of Civil Engineers
1 Great George Street, London, SW1P 3AA
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The deadline to register interest is Thursday 8 January 2026.
Confidential, ethical and participant-led
Your participation will be handled with care. Focus groups will be audio recorded for research purposes only, and all data will be anonymised prior to publication. You will not be identified in any reports or publications.
The research has received ethical approval from the University of Leeds, and participation is entirely voluntary.
What’s in it for you?
While there is no direct financial incentive, participants often value:
• Time and space to reflect on their career journey
• Contributing to sector-wide learning
• Supporting more sustainable careers for future professionals
• Receiving a summary of the research findings, if desired
Your experience can help shape what comes next
If you were ever a Rising Star, this research is for you, regardless of where your career has taken you since.
To express interest, ask questions or find out how to register for a focus group, please contact:
Dr Kate Lawrence
Research Fellow, Leeds Centre for Projects, University of Leeds
K.Lawrence1@leeds.ac.uk
Please share this blog with former Rising Stars in your network, including colleagues who have since left your organisation. Some of the most important insights come from voices that are no longer in the room.