If you’re looking for a diverse, challenging, exciting career move, then look no further than quantity surveying. By combining both the commercial and practical sectors of construction, being a quantity surveyor is a rollercoaster ride at every turn. If that doesn’t get your heart racing, it’s also very well paid!
Generally, a typical working day for a quantity surveyor involves managing costs for projects, performing risk/value management, crafting a costs analysis, advising on procurement strategy and much more.
Where to start though? In order to land that perfect quantity surveyor job, interested parties must first gain the relevant qualifications. Without qualifications, you aren’t going anywhere near the industry. Many universities offer courses in building surveying or another construction related facet of the industry. It is integral these courses are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
After completing a degree, it’s time to search for a firm that can offer a graduate trainee scheme. During the role, registering for the Assessment of Professional Competence will become available after two years learning in employment. Once passed, you can officially have the letters MRICS after your name.
One of the reasons people transfer to the industry is because of its lucrative nature. Quantity surveyors can earn £45,000-£50,000 on average – a large amount of money for anybody – but starters can expect a salary of £17,000-£25,000. However, quantity surveyors may be asked to work weekends in order to meet deadlines and hours usually last from 7.30am – 6pm. Willingness to travel is also beneficial due to the nature of the beast; visiting construction sites is often a necessity.
While initially your workload may not be reflected in the rewards you get, quantity surveyors will eventually work their way to the top to earn the big money. It’s all about working hard – just like any industry.