Quantity surveying is an industry that uses professionals with a thorough understanding of construction costs and contracts. In the United Kingdom, quantity surveyors are referred to as Chartered Surveyors, but they also hold certifications in some countries. Here are some benefits of becoming a quantity surveyor. To learn more, read on. We have also included information about entry-level jobs and salaries for quantity surveyors. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Qualifications
As a quantity surveyor, you will be responsible for overseeing the construction process of a project. A degree is usually required, although you can also become a quantity surveyor without one. You will need to gain relevant work experience, such as in project management or architecture, before applying for a quantity surveying job. Once you have sufficient experience, you may switch to a quantity surveying role. The most important qualification you will need is a good understanding of business contracts and building technologies.
There are many different levels of qualification for this position. You will need to be able to demonstrate the desire to learn the technical aspects of construction, as well as the ability to implement practical solutions. Quantity surveying involves working with contractors to modify plans and develop a final account statement. Besides this, you’ll be responsible for liaising with other members of the project team to make sure everything is completed within budget.
A bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying is generally required. You could also earn a Master’s degree in the field if you have some experience. Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or management. You should take relevant courses in addition to your degree, including math, business, and management. You may also want to consider a Masters degree to boost your employability. The industry is highly regarded for this qualification.
As a chartered quantity surveyor, you can work across a variety of disciplines. You may wish to specialise in specific areas, such as civil engineering, capital allowances, or tax. You can also choose to work in certain sectors, such as planning, supply chain management, and legal services. You can also choose to take the Network75 route, which is a work and study programme. This way, you can work alongside your studies while studying at the same time.
In addition to the BSc, you can also opt for postgraduate study in quantity surveying. Generally, undergraduate degrees are three years long and can also include a placement year. Part-time study is also available. However, it is important to note that you will need to pay fees for this education. Some universities offer undergraduate loans to support you while you study. Obtaining chartered status improves your career prospects.
Entry-level jobs
In New Zealand, the construction industry is booming, and the demand for quantity surveyors is rising. The shortage of skilled labour in the construction sector is projected to continue into the future. According to Immigration New Zealand, there are more than 7,000 job vacancies for quantity surveyors in the country. The demand for quantity surveyors is also dependent on the economic situation, and a downturn in the economy can lead to a decline in the number of jobs available.
Regardless of your degree background, gaining practical industry experience can improve your employment prospects. Some quantity surveying degree programmes include a year-long placement in a construction company. This can lead to a job offer after graduation. Other employers will even sponsor your studies for the remainder of your degree. In addition to these entry-level jobs, quantity surveying graduates can become chartered surveyors, directors of construction, CAD, drawing, and architectural technicians, and more.
Although quantity surveying is traditionally male-dominated, there are now more women entering this field than ever. Depending on your location and employer, you can find plenty of opportunities to work abroad. If you don’t have a degree in quantity surveying, you can start out as a surveying technician or technical surveyor. To become a quantity surveyor, you need to complete a degree course. There are also part-time study programs available for those who don’t want to complete a degree straight away. In the USA, quantity surveying is a highly paid profession.
Many companies have specific requirements for quantity surveying, and some require a graduate degree or relevant experience. A degree in construction management, manufacturing engineering, or business management can lead to this career. Whether you have a degree in engineering or business, you can find a quantity surveying entry-level job. The construction industry always needs quantity surveyors, and a degree in any of these fields can be valuable.
As you gain experience and qualifications, you can move on to a senior quantity surveying position. Senior quantity surveyors work independently on larger projects, and are also expected to line manage graduate quantity surveyors. You can then go on to become a chartered quantity surveyor, and take on a full-fledged project or commercial management role. Eventually, you can become a commercial manager, which involves taking responsibility for the success of a project.
Career path
A career path in quantity surveying is both rewarding and challenging. In the field of quantity surveying, individuals apply their analytical skills to create accurate cost estimates for construction projects. These individuals review building blueprints and analyze material and labor requirements to produce cost estimates for owners. Demand for quantity surveyors is expected to grow as the U.S. population and construction activities increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 26 percent increase in the number of cost estimators from 2012 to 2022.
To be competitive, prospective quantity surveyors need to make the most of their networking skills. These connections can be made while gaining experience in the field or online through professional surveying organizations. They should update their CVs to showcase their skills and expertise in quantity surveying. The resume should include information about education, work history, and any relevant skills and achievements. The CV should be concise and well-written, highlighting the most relevant information on the top.
During the initial stages of their career, quantity surveyors can specialize in certain types of infrastructure and disciplines. The specialization will give them more responsibility and experience, as well as the chance to manage significant commercial projects. They may also choose to become a specialist in a particular field, which will increase their value to employers. Ultimately, the success of a quantity surveyor depends on their ability to manage projects successfully. As a result, many QSs have become senior-level professionals in their firms.
Once chartered, quantity surveyors take on more responsibility with projects. The typical titles of these roles are quantity surveyor, project surveyor, and commercial manager. Ultimately, they can move into management roles and focus on a specific construction project or discipline, or even branch out and work in other verticals. The opportunities are limitless! When it comes to finding a career path in quantity surveying, the sky’s the limit.
As a Quantity Surveyor, you will be involved in a variety of projects. These may include contract management, cost forecasting, and profit monitoring. In order to work in this field, you must earn an undergraduate degree in quantity surveying from a university accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). You can also complete a postgraduate conversion course if you do not have a degree in quantity surveying.
Salary
In recent years, employment for quantity surveyors has risen significantly. Moreover, it is expected to grow by 2.3% per year in the next few years. As a result, it is an excellent career opportunity for anyone who wants to break into this profession. In addition, most graduates found jobs within three years of graduating, and 32% worked in foreign countries. The median annual salary for quantity surveyors is around $78,000.
A good salary is important for the profession, as quantity surveyors spend a large portion of their day on site at construction sites. These surveyors also meet with suppliers and supply chains to build valuable relationships. This, in turn, will help them advance their career in the future by establishing their own companies. Moreover, they can easily draw in clients because of their large network of professional contacts. As a result, their salary is comparatively high.
In addition to earning a decent salary, quantity surveyors can also move around in the industry, moving from one sector to another. As a result, they are often in high demand and do not have any difficulty securing a job. What’s more, quantity surveying jobs pay very well, so you can expect to make a secure living while doing what you love. However, if you are not keen on being in an office for long hours, this field might not be for you.
The pay for quantity surveyors varies, and the experience level of an individual determines the amount they can earn. A newly qualified quantity surveyor might make $40-$50k a year, while a fully-qualified quantity surveyor can make $75-$150k annually. Many quantity surveyors also own their own practices and their income will depend on the profitability of the practice. As a result, the salary for quantity surveyors varies depending on their level of experience and responsibility.
Once you’ve gained the necessary qualifications, you can work towards chartered status. Getting chartered status can broaden your career options and increase your salary. To become chartered, you must have at least two years of relevant work experience and have passed the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence. In addition to gaining chartered status, you can become a quantity surveyor manager, project manager, contracts or commercial manager, and even specialise in different aspects of the construction industry. There are also specialized areas of quantity surveying, such as mechanical or electrical projects and risk assessments.