What do qs do

With time, you could become a senior quantity surveyor, project manager, contracts or commercial manager. Many surveyors specialise in one area such as planning, contracts, mechanical or electrical projects, or risk assessments. You could join an independent surveying practice or become a freelance consultant. Some quantity surveyors teach at universities or colleges. I have always wanted a career that allows me to make a real positive difference to the world.

Being a Cost Manager allows me to use my strengths in mathematics and feed my passion for the social impact of construction. These were excellent stepping stones towards securing my current role. There are lots of other routes into quantity surveying too.

Within one day I was contacted by a Recruitment Advisor for a telephone interview discussing my aspirations for the role and subsequently had two face-to-face interviews with senior leaders before being made an offer.

I found the entire process insightful, exciting and most importantly, respectful. In a consultancy where people in particular are an asset, being personable, enthusiastic and having great interpersonal skills are as vital as having the technical skills to influence projects from inception to completion. For a Cost Manager, five of these necessary skills include:. My contractual working hours are Do you want an amazing, rewarding and challenging career? Job opportunities that allow you to travel around the world?

Don't forget to follow Kimberly's journey on Twitter misskimhepburn. Warning Javascript is turned off For the best experience please use a JavaScript enabled browser. Home Construction careers What jobs are right for me? Quantity surveyor. Quantity surveyor Cost manager, cost consultant Quantity surveyors estimate and control costs for large construction projects.

Typical hours per week How to become What will you do? What's it like? How much could you earn? How to become a quantity surveyor There are several routes to becoming a quantity surveyor.

Find a university course Funding advice Equivalent entry requirements explained Apprenticeship An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. They are highly organised and great negotiators.

Many universities in the UK run courses in Quantity Surveying. The first year often contains a number of elements shared with other construction related courses such as construction management, building studies, building engineering, engineering management and building technology.

Within the course you will learn all about management and the practicalities of it, whilst studying the intricacies of economics, cost accounting and computer systems.

Information technology is increasing with managers working on site and in the office so building up skills in this area is vital. To develop your management skills, you will be expected to take on project work in small groups and get a feel for working in teams and communicating clearly and effectively.

If you work for a contractor on site, your working hours may be longer and you may have to do shift work. To work as a quantity surveyor, you will usually need a degree in quantity surveying or commercial management accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors RICS.

If your undergraduate degree is in a different subject, you can take a RICS-accredited postgraduate conversion course. Relevant degree subjects include:. The postgraduate course takes one year to complete full time and around two years part time. Some employers may take on graduates as 'non-cognates' those with a degree that is not RICS accredited and support and fund them through the accredited postgraduate course.

You can also take a RICS-accredited degree apprenticeship undergraduate, PGDip or Masters in quantity surveying and project management, which combines work with part-time study at a university. If you don't have a degree, you could start work as a technical surveyor also known as a surveying technician and then undertake part-time study while working to qualify as a quantity surveyor.

Advanced surveying technician apprenticeships are available. Further study is essential in order to gain chartership and membership of RICS.

Relevant work experience, either on site or within an office, gives you a valuable start. Work experience is extremely helpful when trying to secure a job.

Employers look for your dedication and enthusiasm for the field and any working knowledge you may have. It's also a good way to confirm that you are following the right career path.

Many firms offer structured placements which may last from a few days to a whole summer vacation. Check firms' websites for details or apply speculatively. Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Many employers operate in a multidisciplinary capacity, so you're likely to work alongside other surveying professionals, such as civil engineers and architects. Academic departments may also be approached by employers, so it's worthwhile keeping in touch with tutors. APC is a structured training programme that usually lasts around two years unless you have significant previous work experience.

You'll need to evidence your training in logbooks and records and have regular meetings with a supervisor. Professional bodies Upon completion of diploma and degree courses, graduates are eligible to commence the process leading to qualification as a chartered surveyor and full membership of both the Society of Chartered Surveyors SCS and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors RICS.

Spotlight organisations. Career Boost Programme. PwC Republic of Ireland. Civil and Public Service. Essential advice Teacher, primary level.

Job descriptions and industry overviews. How to succeed in inductive reasoning tests for graduate jobs. Interviews and assessment centres.

Your graduate job offer - how to accept or decline.