Life After Quantity Surveying: Career Paths to Consider

As a Quantity Surveyor, you’ve honed a unique set of skills—from cost management and negotiation to risk assessment and project planning. But what happens if you’re ready to move beyond the world of Quantity Surveying? Whether you’re seeking a fresh challenge or looking to leverage your expertise in a new way, there are several exciting career paths to consider.

1. Project Management

First off, we have Project Management. Project Management is a career path that leverages many of the skills developed in Quantity Surveying. With your experience in overseeing budgets, schedules, and stakeholder coordination, you’re already familiar with many of the responsibilities a Project Manager faces. The added benefit is that you can focus on the bigger picture—managing entire projects rather than just the cost aspect. Certifications like PRINCE2 or PMP can enhance your credibility and help you secure roles in this area.

2. Contract Management

Contracts are at the heart of Quantity Surveying, making Contract Management a logical next step. In this role, you’d be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and enforcing contracts to ensure compliance and minimise risk. Your knowledge of construction law and contractual obligations positions you well for this transition, especially if you’ve worked closely with NEC, JCT, or FIDIC contracts.

3. Dispute Resolution and Claims Consultancy

Disputes are common in construction projects, and your expertise in contractual terms and cost analysis can make you an asset in dispute resolution. As a Claims Consultant, you’d help resolve disagreements between parties, perhaps acting as a mediator or adjudicator. Additional qualifications, such as becoming a Chartered Arbitrator (CIArb), can be invaluable in this line of work.

4. Real Estate Development

If you’re looking to stay within the property and construction industry but with a more entrepreneurial focus, real estate development might be the perfect fit. Quantity Surveyors often have an in-depth understanding of the development process, from feasibility studies to cost forecasting. This knowledge can be a significant advantage if you decide to venture into property investment or development.

5. Procurement Specialist

Procurement Specialists are responsible for sourcing and purchasing materials, equipment, and services for projects. Given your experience with tendering and supplier management, you already have many of the skills required to excel in this role. This career path is especially appealing if you enjoy building relationships with suppliers and negotiating contracts.

6. Teaching and Training

If you have a passion for sharing knowledge, transitioning into teaching or training could be a fulfilling option. With the demand for skilled professionals in Quantity Surveying and construction, you could teach at a university, deliver corporate training, or even create your own online courses.

7. Commercial Management

Commercial Management focuses on the financial and operational performance of projects or businesses. As a Quantity Surveyor, your ability to manage costs, analyse financial data, and oversee budgets makes you an excellent fit for this role. Commercial Managers often liaise with senior stakeholders to ensure profitability and efficiency, making it a dynamic and rewarding career path.

8. Entrepreneurship

Finally, many Quantity Surveyors find success as entrepreneurs. Whether it’s starting your own consultancy, creating a niche service within the construction industry, or venturing into an entirely different sector, your skills in planning, risk assessment, and leadership will serve you well.

Introducing Metroun Learning

Metroun Learning is an online education platform, specific to Quantity Surveyors which can satisfy all your formal CPD needs. We offer over 45 hours of formal CPD, with new courses added each month. Although all courses amass to 45 hours of formal CPD, each individual course has been engineered so it can be completed during your lunch break. This can save you time, money & reduce your carbon footprint. Metroun Learning will not only satisfy your formal CPD needs, but you’ll also gain access to: