Tips for Quantity Surveyors

This video provides insight into things I’ve learnt along the way being a Quantity Surveyor (QS) and also about the construction industry in general.
This isn’t information you’re taught at university but knowledge you pick up and hone once you start doing the role.
Some of the points are industry insights whilst others are probably quirks of how I process things to perform a task quicker or better.
Hope you enjoy learning about these 6 tips and hopefully at least a couple will help you out in the future.
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#tipstogetbetteratworkinginconstruction, #getbetterandquickerasaqs, #howtobeabetterqs

[@AM-qi5js]

Thanks for the series. You come across so vividly and sincerely in what you say so keep it up.

[@Constructacademy]

Thanks for sharing 👍 Quantity Surveying is a fantastic profession and needs more promotion. Great video.

[@careerinsights2430]

Thank you

[@sal4436]

I have benefitted alot from your videos. They have struck me as being honest, insightful and give valuable advice for anyone looking to tread the qs path. After deciding to change career at 43, I have managed to land an assistant qs job with a small refit contractor...so far I am enjoying it!!! Thank you so much for making these videos and also for engaging with the many comments aswell. All the best...

[@careerinsights2430]

Thank you, really grateful for the kind words and chuffed they’ve helped. Whilst it’s early days, It’s always great to hear of successful career changes. I have a lot of respect and admiration for people that go in search for a different career path. It’s not to say that sticking at one career is wrong but if it’s not the right one for you then I think it’s so much more fulfilling to at least attempt a change. All the best with it and thanks again for the kind words.

[@johnduggan7896]

Thanks for this great video. I'm preparing for an interview next week for my first Assistant QS role. Wish me luck.

[@careerinsights2430]

Good luck 👊

[@riazulchoudhury3596]

Love this 👌🏼, please continue with these videos...

[@careerinsights2430]

Thank you, will do 👍

[@Whoiswho4312]

Very nice ,looking forward to be QS.

[@67selmor94]

Great video!

[@israelcarbonilla8823]

Thanks. 👍

[@bilalh4033]

Great Video! I will be starting my journey into becoming a surveyor in September, as I will study MSc Real Estate Development. I was wondering if you had any advice about getting experience over the summer or even a position during the course year. I have been looking and messaging people and companies but haven't had any luck as they all require qualifications. Would appreciate any help!!

[@johnjones-hn8mg]

amazing content

[@miladkhan2285]

Very nice

[@samross2512]

Hi, I’m a second year quantity surveying and commercial management student at ulster university. Currently seeking a placement year and you seem very knowledgeable would love to talk to you about it, your videos are very helpful

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi Sam, thanks so much for the kind words, very grateful. I’m not sure what value I could add in terms of a placement year. CI don’t have any ties with companies and we’re not in recruitment. It really is just an idea I had on trying to help people get insight on what jobs are like, useful skills and everything you see in the videos. I didn’t do a placement year but a lot of friends did and the two most common things I remember about them is the university helped with securing around 95% of those roles and the other 5% was a mix of working for friends and family whether their own or others students. With everything going on this year it’s def going to be tough. I’ve done some work experience videos which def have some ideas in them that I think could help. Happy for you to bounce any questions you have on here or to drop me an email at [e-mail]. All the best.

[@nahidhussain2339]

Awesome video! Very helpful, Have you completed an APC, if so, how did you prepare for it? And what are the requirements? Thanks.

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi Nahid, no I never went through the APC but someone has asked me about this in the past regarding the importance of RICS, CIOB, etc and without writing it all out as your question is slightly different my view is their importance (in terms of employers looking at your cv) differs on what path you go down i.e. consultant vs contractor. In terms of the APC itself I have a lot of friends that went through it and the biggest difference between how people found it wasn’t the individuals themselves but the companies they worked for. Broadly speaking the big companies are very well set up for training, monitoring progress, etc. They tend to keep a backlog of past questions asked at interview stage and good responses, etc. The RICS website is really good if you want to look up the requirements. All the best

[@chrislyford1620]

I've been in construction for 15yrs. I'm a project manager atm but I'm starting my degree in October to become a QS. Hopefully, with my experience, I will find the degree manageable? Great videos keep them up 👍

[@careerinsights2430]

I think you’ll find the degree fine. Anything construction technology based will fall straight into your strengths. It will just be an adaption of switching your pragmatic experience to theory and text book. Contract Law will probably be the biggest addition to what you’re currently doing. Personally always loved this as a subject as it’s quite a black and white topic and with your experience you’ll have tons of real life situations that you’ll want to ask questions about, etc. Are you doing it part or full time? Thank you, really appreciate it 👍

[@chrislyford1620]

Hey only just seen your comment. I've started my degree now my first module is management & organisations it's pretty straight forward. My degree is part time over 4 years so hopefully once qualified we will be out of this environment mess.

[@mkonzingoma2042]

great video

[@careerinsights2430]

Thank you

[@Ugo_Ego]

Hi there, I noticed that QS was recently removed from the UK skills shortage list. Would it be reasonable to conclude that there isn't a huge demand for QS in the UK job market at the moment?

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi John, my initial thoughts are if you want to see a snap shot of current demand it’s probably best to look on job boards like CV Library, Reed, etc. Generally I think there will always be demand for QS’. The industry will continue to grow and if it follows historical patterns it will at some point go through a rough patch (i.e. recession) which normally causes people to leave the industry and when a spike returns there’s a shortage of skill (as a lot of people don’t return). Like any profession, if your passionate, perform well / good at the job and likeable I think there’s always demand. I definitely wouldn’t put it down as one of those professions that is hugely over prescribed (too much supply) but this is purely a gut feeling, rather than looking at data. All the best

[@warrenhollenbach9332]

Thanks for the video! I have a degree in QS but have no work experience in that field as of yet. I am considering a move from South Africa to the UK and want to try to get an assistant QS job to work my way back into that field. Any advice?

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi Warren, nothing groundbreaking I’m afraid. I think job hunting is a numbers games and working on all the little things like your CV to make sure they’re as attractive as they can be. I made my cv as part of the sign up on the website (100% don’t have to sign up just letting you know it’s there if you want to see my perspective on CV’s). My only other point would be to remember all the different names people use for similar roles: Assistant QS Graduate QS Junior QS Assistant Commercial Manager ... Bid Manager There’s so many different names and the job boards aren’t always great at linking jobs to being similar. Keep plugging away at trying to get some work experience too. All the best with everything.

[@warrenhollenbach9332]

@@careerinsights2430 thanks so much!

[@robyngrant6791]

Hey. I’m looking to study this at uni however I’m not necessarily that academically smart. Is it worth me doing it still. Do I need to be a maths genius

[@careerinsights2430]

You don’t need to be academically smart but it does help to be confident with maths and excel. Excel can obviously be learnt over time. The job itself obviously involves people in a huge way i.e. if you’re getting 3-5 quotes for each package then you’ll obviously be engaging with that amount of people. Learning industries is hugely important in my eyes to, so if you’re inquisitive and not afraid to ask what would be perceived as a dumb question then there’s endless amounts of learning to be had. There’s a lot of paperwork, contracts, etc. there’s no getting away from that. A lot of it is monotonous so there’s a debate to be had over whether this part is talent or repetition. Try and seek out a QS if you’re serious about it. Hopefully this vid is just a springboard to digging deeper. All the best

[@CJVIagic]

Thanks for the great info! I am about to start a MSc in Construction Project Management - Is this something that would allow me to become QS easily? (its RICS accredited). Cheers.

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi Ollie, not sure what you mean by easily but think your just checking your degree allows you to apply for QS roles upon graduating and doing your APC? I’m confident it does but I haven’t looked at the RICS website for a number of years. They’ve always had a ton of information / resource on there or if in doubt drop them an email. If it’s about how employers would view your degree from a QS perspective then in general you’ll be fine. It really comes down to the individual employer - I know law graduates that are QS’s so it’s an individual call at the end of the day. All the best

[@CJVIagic]

@@careerinsights2430 Yes, my apologises for being unclear. I am essentially asking whether employers would look at the degree favourably or not. I understand its not a specific degree in Commercial Management, so I was curious at to whether I would be starting off on the wrong foot so to speak. Thank you very much.

[@careerinsights2430]

I don’t think you’ll be starting off on the wrong foot. I think it will be very competitive because of what’s going on in the world at the minute. Some recruiters can be naive and not understand that there’s very little difference in what you’ve learnt vs a QS graduate. I mentioned in a previous video to apply direct to companies wherever you can as you’ll be applying direct to a professional looking at your cv who would understand and know your experience is similar (also companies will be looking to save money at the minute, so paying recruiter fees can be a luxury a lot can’t afford right now). Job hunting in my opinion is a determination and numbers game. Some people get super lucky and nail their first interview and others it can take 6 months. It’s definitely not the most enjoyable process you just have to try your hardest to stay positive and committed.

[@CJVIagic]

@@careerinsights2430 Thats very helpful. Thank you. Could you even perhaps swing studying construction project management with the goal of becoming a QS as a good thing? My reasoning being that perhaps a CPM student might of gained a much more comprehensive overview of a construction project than a QS graduate. Would love to hesr your thoughts.

[@careerinsights2430]

Personally and remember I’m only one perspective I see graduates as graduates. The video I did on misconceptions of uni explains this in much more detail as I get asked this type of question quite frequently. Maybe give that a quick watch and bounce back any unanswered questions you have. I don’t / wouldn’t see one type of degree over another as better or worse. As an employer you would generally see both as relatively green / new to the industry. When it’s purely cv vs cv you’re looking for things like work experience to initially cull down the number of applicants. I can’t remember the exact number but I think over 75% of people get a 2:1 or better and it’s a huge mistake people make thinking uni alone is going to make you stand out. As I said at the beginning it’s just one person’s perspective though.

[@talktotobi]

Where have you been all my professional life? Just moved to the UK. Have a degree acquired 16yrs ago in QS but never practiced. Been in retail marketing and I understand the value of relationships and networking. Do you think I have a prayer of making it back into QS? You make it really exciting. How do I subscribe to your website too?

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi David, as long as you’re happy to start from the beginning as a graduate / junior QS then there’s no harm in putting your cv forward for applications. It’s impossible to know whether or not you’ll be successful but you’ll only find out by giving it a go. It all comes down to the view of the employer and touch wood they see your age and experience as a bonus. Best of luck with it

[@talktotobi]

@@careerinsights2430 thanks bro. I am willing to start as an assistant QS. Currently... Dont mind volunteer work in the interim, anywhere in Greater London. What software do you advice I concentrate effort on learning for estimation?

[@meganclaridge2235]

I’ve been a trainee quantity surveyor for 6 years but learned very little at my old job. Started a new job a year ago and thinking about doing my degree - however, I am a solo Mum with a medical condition that makes me so tired all the time, and I’m not sure how I will cope with doing a degree on top of my full time job/parenthood. If someone here has taken it, how was it? How much time did you need to put into it?

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi Megan, I did my masters whilst working but this was before becoming a parent and without the condition you’ve mentioned. I think if it’s a huge desire you want to achieve then I think you’ll find a way to make it happen for you, your kid/s or any motivation you have. I’ve possibly got too many questions to ask to be able to understand your drivers and feel comfortable that I can give a well enough rounded answer to give proper insight. Do you feel you can’t progress without having the degree under your belt? Is this something that’s been expressly told to you or an internal monologue telling you? What’s the biggest driver behind wanting a degree? In general and apologies if I’m stating the obvious but it’s advice I always give friends and family when they’re weighing up decisions. In life we have lots of wants from social, family, financial, business, health, etc. and a common thing we all do is make decisions in isolation. When you do this you’re essentially multiplying the number of you’s in the world i.e. you’ll pick the best option in each category but forget to consider you’re one person and ultimately two wants / desires could completely conflict with each other. To give an example a relative wanted to start her own business and buy her first home as her two biggest immediate wants. Anyone who’s started a business from scratch knows how much effort and finances it takes so my feedback was I thought they were competing wants. Ultimately if her desire to buy a home / move out proved too great she would get a 9-5 as it would allow her to get a mortgage. Whereas getting a business to a point of steady income could take 5-10 years. She did start her business and after 6 months got a job so she could get a mortgage. She may one day start her business again too or not but honestly having the experience of trying to start a business is worth so much experience it was still worth it in my opinion. You honestly don’t need to answer any of the questions I’ve asked they’re as much for you to challenge yourself and bounce off of much more intelligent people than me. I’m a big believer that if you do your homework and make a calculated decision you won’t regret it as it was the best knowledge you had at the time. All the best and sorry the message is so long. Touch wood, other people give their views too

[@EngineerBoyOfficial]

good video **

[@adnansiddiqui3947]

Which one is better construction project management or quantity Surveyor for masters in uk?

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi, no one will be able to give you a straight or unbiased answer to this, as it’s an individual call. There’ll definitely be overlap on the content for both courses it ultimately comes down to which career you’re most interested in pursuing after graduating.

[@andreynasonov8516]

Thank you for such valueble information your are giving fot those peopl having interest in QS. Please , could you answer for my question. I want to do a career change and move to QS role via entering Msc Quantity Surveying in Uni. I would appreciate if you share your opinion about competing this course via online version of MSc. What do you think about this way of obtain Master Degree in QS . Is that good enough and sufficient way of delivery this degree?

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi Andrey, thanks so much for the kind words. I haven’t done an online degree before so please try and reach out / find someone that has as it’s important to get more than my perspective on it. Because it’s a career change I would have a preference of doing it in person. What you’ll typically find is some of the masters students will already be working in industry so it will really help with building relationships with people already in the sector that may help with finding a job once you’ve graduated. Or as a minimum give you lots of opportunity to speak to people in the industry and all the different career options and perspectives they have. Whether it’s online or in person your CV will be the same from a qualification perspective. So cold job applications will be received / read similarly but as above I think the in person aspect has a lot of benefits you can’t necessarily see on paper. Hope this helps but do try and speak to others too to get their thoughts. All the best with it.

[@andreynasonov8516]

@@careerinsights2430 Thank you so much for your vision and detailed answer🙏

[@yb8904]

Hi Im a recent graduate from last year looking I've managed to get main contractor experience coming up to a year now, how would recommend me to switch to consultancies as that is where I really want to be. Any tips?

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi, I don’t have any ground breaking tips. When I was switching from a contractor to client side it was just a matter of applying for positions in that area. I would probably have a fresh read of your cv and think about it from a consultancies perspective. They’re obviously focused on securing and keeping clients happy. So in your current role, are you liaising with the client, helping them with their specification, budget, etc. If you are then make sure you focus on this when writing your cv. Focus / mention your eligibility or where you are with professional bodies like RICS, APM or CIOB (I’ve ordered them in the order I think consultants consider them). Also look at a range of sized practices. A lot of consultancies are small 2-3 people and looking for a enthusiastic junior. When they’re small I see no harm in reaching out to them direct even if they’re not hiring just to introduce yourself and tell them that you’re currently looking for an opportunity in their field, etc.

[@vikasteggi3859]

Make a video on MRICS.

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi Vikas, what are you thinking / looking for in terms of content?

[@vikasteggi3859]

@@careerinsights2430 Yeah, I was thinking how to get knowledge and experience which fit for MRICS QS preparations. As I'm kick starting my career in QS.

[@careerinsights2430]

Ok, I’ll give it some thought. In general I think the company you work for have a big impact on helping, training and also just the emphasis on MRICS. Consultancy wise it’s almost gospel you have MRICS or eligible for it through your degree or in motion of getting it. I know a couple of exceptions that have gone the APM route but without double checking with them I think it’s due to their degree not being accredited by RICS and not having accrued enough experience to qualify that way. Contractor wise there’s a big drop off in emphasis. Would hate to guess at the percentage but where almost every consultant I’ve worked with is MRICS I’d say less than half the QS’ I’ve worked with are MRICS. Client side is similar or maybe slightly better. I’ll give it some more thought and see if I can pull together enough thoughts and perspectives for a video.

[@vikasteggi3859]

@@careerinsights2430 Thank you so much for your reply. I'm expecting a video on how a QS professional can fastrack his career growth and reach great positions in an organisation.

[@careerinsights2430]

No problem. I think that’s almost a completely different topic to MRICS. When you’re in education mode you’ll consider professional qualifications the key to opening up your earning and promotion potential. I’m not saying it doesn’t help but in the grand scheme of things it’s such a small percentage. I think school tells you to go to uni, uni tells you to get MRICS, then you begin working and all your perspectives will change. Happy to do a misconceptions style video but the uni video I did hasn’t done particularly well. Obviously this can be my fault (might just be a poor video). Promotions, etc. have so much to do with how much value you add to your company. Again more than happy to expand on this in a video.

[@givemestrength8416]

I’m 40 and looking a this as a career change but have family commitments so can’t work away from home. What’s the best type of companies to aim for?

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi, I think at this moment in time that’s a very tough career change. My gut response isn’t to say what companies to aim for but to aim for people that know you and essentially can vouch for you, know your work ethic, etc. Career changes are challenging at the best of times but obviously even harder when a lot of QS’ are currently out of work and competing for the roles that are available. That’s why at this moment in time my gut says you at least need someone to put you forward as a recommendation just to make it to the interview stage. Nothings impossible and I’ve never been afraid to make career changes - my recommendation wouldn’t be a particular type of company, it would be apply to all companies and extensively explore your current network to see if anyone can help. Hope this helps

[@givemestrength8416]

Career Insights Hi thank you for your advice...I must admit I couldn’t have picked a harder time to do this and do value your opinion. I don’t know anyone in the industry and I’m from a healthcare background so its a big change. I have been advised by the university that I am eligible to do the masters but I think it would be very difficult to do that when not working alongside a company. It’s also a big risk as I have no idea if I would like it when in the role and would have loved to shadow someone before making that jump. Appreciate your honesty 👍

[@careerinsights2430]

You may have already explored your network extensively but if you haven’t remember it’s impossible to know all of your networks contacts and by you just saying what you’re looking for you may be surprised by who your network knows. We’re all different but career changes for me have been more driven by the fact I can’t envisage myself doing that job for xyz years. I would ultimately like to try a ton of different jobs in my life time but personally I think it’s getting tougher to actually do it. You’ve probably heard me say it a few times in videos now but the one thing to be cautious about with construction is recessions. Our younger audience probably take that with a pinch of salt but I wished someone had flagged this to me when I was getting started. All the best with everything & don’t be afraid to ask any other questions, I’ll always try to help if I can

[@givemestrength8416]

Career Insights Thank you so much...It’s definitely getting harder out there and god knows what state this pandemic will leave the economy in. I certainly will keep asking around you never know. I’m a radiographer just now and job security is fantastic but I can’t see myself doing it the rest of my days, I’m really bored with it. However I could feel that way if I did get into quantity surveying I’m only good at so far finding what I don’t like unfortunately 🤦‍♂️. I have a family to think of as well though so that is my priority.

[@JimFosterICT]

How did you get on with this? If you're still looking for a career change, you may find some ideas on my channel

[@nikhilgangurde9737]

Hi, Im offered qs course from Limerick institute, shall I take it, please suggest

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi Nikhil, always happy to offer any advice or insight but not sure how I can help with this?

[@Xavier-hc6qs]

Is quantity surveying a well paid job?

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi Xavier, I’m a big believer pays a personal thing and only you can decide what you consider well paid. It’s super easy to check pay / salaries I would ignore any average wage websites and just have a look on job boards to see what current QS jobs are available near you at the moment. You wouldn’t start on the salaries as a junior but you can always look for Graduate or Junior QS roles too to give you an idea of starting salary and then what you can expect a few years down the line. All the best

[@Xavier-hc6qs]

@@careerinsights2430 Thankyou so much for this! Also, do you know if there is high demand for Quantity Surveyors in the United States? It’s my dream to live in America but want to know if this job is available/ in demand there

[@careerinsights2430]

Hi Xavier, I’m from the UK so take my thoughts with a pinch of salt. In general there’s always been a demand for QS’. I don’t think there’s ever been an over supply of the profession in the time I’ve been in the industry at least and I don’t foresee that changing. In terms of America or any country remember it will come down to the specific area you’re interested in. One state or area could be buzzing from a construction perspective and another have limited work on. In the university tips video I mention picking a uni that’s where you want to work (this might not be feasible) as often universities have relationships with local businesses which is really helpful to get you started.

[@chamodajayasena5315]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4PLiZmoZsmgbZY

[@yatesy2533]

Great video mate, very interesting. I’m a relatively new assistant qs and have just been given my first job to take on solo. I have a few queries surrounding the client facing element, can I drop you an email?

[@careerinsights2430]

Thank you. Happy to see if I can help. It’s [e-mail] Also don’t be afraid to ask colleagues too. It doesn’t always feel like it when everyone’s busy but a lot of people love helping and passing on their views and wisdom.