quantity surveyor

A quantity surveyor manages all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Surveyors seek to minimise the costs of a project and enhance value for money, while still achieving the required standards and quality. Many of these are specified by statutory building regulations, which the surveyor needs to understand and adhere to.
A quantity surveyor may work for either the client or the contractor, working in an office or on-site. They are involved in a project from the start, preparing estimates and costs of the work. When the project is in progress, quantity surveyors
The title of the job may also be referred to as a construction cost consultant or commercial manager.

Typical work activities

Typical tasks may include:

• preparing tender and contract documents, including bills of quantities with the architect and/or the client;
• undertaking costs analysis for repair and maintenance project work;
• assisting in establishing a client’s requirements and undertaking feasibility studies;
• performing risk and value management and cost control;
• advising on procurement strategy;
• identifying, analysing and developing responses to commercial risks;
• preparing and analysing costings for tenders;
• allocating work to subcontractors;
• providing advice on contractual claims;
• analysing outcomes and writing detailed progress reports;
• valuing completed work and arranging payments;
• maintaining awareness of the different building contracts in current use;
• understanding the implications of health and safety regulations.

Areas requiring more specialised knowledge include:

• offering advice on property taxation;
• providing post-occupancy advice, facilities management services and life cycle costing advice;
• assisting clients in locating and accessing additional and alternative sources of funds;
• enabling clients to initiate construction projects;
• advising on the maintenance costs of specific buildings.

• Range of typical starting salaries: £17,000 - £25,000. Obtaining chartered status increases both your job and salary options.
• Range of typical salaries at senior level may be £35,000 - £50,000+. Principal partners in private practice may earn substantially more.
• Shift and site allowances are often paid on top of the basic salary. Company packages may include a car, pension and healthcare.
• Salary increases reflect the gaining of qualifications and responsibilities undertaken. 
• Local government salaries are comparable and may include final salary pension schemes. A company car is not usually offered but car mileage for site visits may be available.
• Working hours vary. A contractor on site may work 7.30am - 6:00pm, while in private practice (PQS) or in a local government department, hours are usually 8.30am - 5.30pm. Occasional weekend work may be required.
• The work is generally office-based, although offices can be on construction sites, If not, day-long site visits may involve early starts and late finishes or an overnight stay. Secondment to sites for longer periods of time is also possible.
• Quantity surveying is a male-dominated profession, but the number of female recruits is significant and growing in both private practice and the public sector.
• Self-employment/freelance work is frequently possible. Companies are increasingly making use of freelance or agency workers to compete for contracts and offer faster turn-around times for completion.
• Opportunities for overseas posts and for occasional overseas work or travel are available. This varies according to the type of employer and the location of the site and the client.

The most straightforward route into quantity surveying is with a first degree in quantity surveying, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)  and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) , will improve your chances.
It is also possible to gain a relevant postgraduate conversion degree after studying another subject. Useful first degree subjects include:

• geography;
• mathematics;
• economics;
• urban and land studies;
• building or construction;
• civil or structural engineering.

HND/HNC Diplomates may register as technical surveyors but many opt to top-up their qualification. This may be done by following an RICS-recognised distance-learning course or part-time/day-release route towards a degree.
Entry without a degree or HND is sometimes possible by working your way up through the industry. Some employers may be willing to fund part-time degree top-up courses, while others may prefer graduates. Those with non-relevant degrees need to take an RICS-recognised postgraduate conversion course.
Further study is essential in order to gain professional qualifications and membership of RICS. Relevant work experience, either on site or within an office, gives you a valuable start.
Candidates also need to show evidence of the following:

• practical and logical qualities and a methodical way of thinking;
• a creative and innovative approach to problem-solving;
• strong numeracy and financial management skills and the ability to learn sophisticated design and costing IT packages;
• the ability to write clear and precise reports and to relate complex information simply to a diverse range of people;
• negotiating and team-working skills and the ability to motivate and lead those on site;
• detailed knowledge of past and current building and construction technology, business and legal matters.

A work experience placement gives you an understanding of the construction industry as a whole and also what skills are required in this environment.
Many large, private practice firms have an annual intake of graduates and may have closing dates in December or January. Others, including smaller employers, may accept speculative applications

market researcher

Market researchers collect and analyse information on behalf of organisations such as businesses, governments and charities. They are sometimes employed directly by that organisation, but more often work for specialist research agencies. They analyse consumer opinions and collect data to enable organisations to make informed political, social and economic decisions.

Market researchers usually specialise in one sector, such as consumer or social research. They plan and implement research projects, and assess the results.

Quantitative research focuses on gathering and analysing statistical data for example using questionnaires, and increasingly via electronic data collection. Qualitative research focuses on people's attitudes and motivation, using methods such as focus groups and in-depth interviews.

Typical work activities

A minority of market researchers (also known as research executives) are involved in both quantitative and qualitative research. However, it is more usual for researchers to specialise in one methodology. Most market research positions are within specialist research agencies.

Some market researchers are employed in-house by large organisations - this is known as working client-side. Usually researchers employed in this way will be part of a team of only three or four others. The type of employing organisation, and the type of research, will greatly impact the day to day work undertaken.

Typical work activities will vary according to the employer and the nature of the role. These may include:

• meeting with clients to negotiate and agree research projects;
• liaising with clients via face to face meetings, email and the telephone; 
• researching a topic; 
• preparing briefs and commissioning research;
• formulating a plan/proposal and presenting it to the client or senior management;
• writing and managing the distribution of surveys and questionnaires; 
• briefing interviewers and researchers;
• liaising with and managing survey staff;
• moderating focus groups;
• undertaking ethnographic research (observing people in their homes and other environments);
• conducting qualitative or quantitative surveys, which may involve field, interview or focus group assessments;
• using statistical software to manage and organise information;
• monitoring the progress of research projects;
• analysing and interpreting data to identify patterns and solutions, including surveys and focus group transcripts;
• writing detailed reports and presenting results;
• advising clients/senior management on how to best use research findings 

• Range of typical starting salaries: £18,000 - £25,000.
• Range of typical salaries with three to five years' experience: £32,000 - £38,000. 
• Range of typical salaries with significant experience: £45,000 - £100,000. It is worth noting that moving to self-employment is a popular career progression route and these figures represent only paid positions.
• Some larger firms may offer additional benefits, such as a company car, profit-sharing schemes, medical insurance, gym membership and bonuses.
• Working hours for in-house and researchers who use quantitative methods are generally nine to five, with occasional evening/weekend work required to meet project deadlines. In jobs that involve qualitative work, evening and weekend work is a common part of the role.
• Although hours may be irregular, paid overtime is rare, but some organisations will offer time off in lieu.
• In some organisations the work is mostly desk-based, though this depends on the specific role. Many market researchers travel nationally and occasionally internationally, to visit client organisations.
• In some cases, more experienced marketing researchers may be expected to travel nationally and even internationally in order to undertake qualitative research.
• Self-employment/freelance work is sometimes possible. Self-employment usually involves setting up a consultancy, usually after around ten years' experience and with good contacts, and is undertaken by a significant minority of researchers.
• Short-term contracts are available via recruitment agencies, although these are generally for more senior market research posts.
• Career breaks and secondments may be possible if working for larger organisations, and in particular if working client side.
• Jobs have been widely available, though over the last year fewer posts have been advertised. There has always been competition for jobs in this area. Most opportunities with market research firms are in London and the South East of England. Client-side posts are generally available nationwide.
• There is an approximate balance of men and women, though there tend to be more men in management roles.
• This can be a fast-paced, pressurised role due to the tight deadlines, but it is also often challenging, varied and rewarding. 

There are various entry points into work as a market researcher and there are no standard entry requirements. Most people employed in the profession have at least a first degree but skills such as communication, organisation and the ability to analyse are regarded as more important. Market research is a competitive industry to join, therefore most people have a degree.
Market research is open to all graduates/Diplomates. The following degree subjects may be particularly helpful:
For quantitative research:

• statistics;
• mathematics;
• psychology;
• economics;
• marketing;
• business/management. 

For qualitative research:

• psychology;
• English;
• languages;
• sociology;
• anthropology;
• social sciences.

For specialist industrial market research posts, a degree in a specific subject linked to the industry, such as engineering or science, may be useful. Languages are an advantage for international work. For some posts, an understanding and knowledge of specialist statistical software may give candidates an edge.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not usually needed, although, for some types of roles, a Masters/diploma in a statistics-related subject may improve candidates' chances, particularly if their first degree is not statistical.
Pre-entry experience in areas such as research, statistical data analysis and interview techniques will be helpful. Relevant work experience can be gained through vacation work, work placements, shadowing or volunteering. A range of market research agencies offer structured placement opportunities.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• interpersonal skills, with strong written and oral communication skills;
• good analytical and numerical skills;
• accuracy and attention to detail;
• the ability to use initiative;
• excellent organisational skills;
• business awareness;
• creativity and problem-solving skills;
• teamwork and negotiation skills;
• flexibility and drive; 
• IT literacy;
• an interest in psychology and behaviour.

Competition is strong. Speculative approaches can be more successful than relying on advertised vacancies. Consider applying for research assistant posts first. Develop contacts through networking or via relevant professional bodies