Building surveyor : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in building surveying combined with technical knowledge will improve your chances. Geography, science, languages, economics and social sciences are popular precursors to careers in the property sector.

Normal entry is with an accredited degree in building surveying, which meets the academic requirements of a professional body. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)  is the main professional body. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) , the Association of Building Engineers (ABE)  and the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM)  also offer related professional qualifications.

Graduates with non-accredited degrees are required to undertake a conversion course to upgrade their academic qualification, either through taking an approved higher degree or completing modules of an approved first degree. Increasingly, this option is available by distance learning while on the job.

HND entry is available at technical surveyor level. Technical property-related subjects, such as building surveying and building/construction, may improve your chances.

In Greater London, the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust  offers work-based training opportunities for young people aged 16-24 with a minimum of four GCSEs at A-C or equivalent.

Pre-entry experience is desirable. In a difficult market, graduates who have completed a sandwich year in industry are at a considerable advantage and are considerably better placed in the job market. However, work experience gained in vacations, placements or even basic construction work can help.

Building surveying requires technical knowledge and competence with a logical and practical mind. However, transferable skills are equally important. Potential candidates will need to have good communication skills, both written and oral, as the work requires interaction at all levels, building lasting relationships with clients and colleagues, negotiating agreements, making presentations and submitting reports. You will need to be able to analyse problems in order to identify solutions. It is also important to be commercially aware and ensure that you are adding maximum value to clients' businesses. You will be given high levels of responsibility and you should be enthusiastic and motivated.

A driving licence is virtually essential, as are IT skills, particularly computer-aided design (CAD), especially if you are going to be involved in a design role.

Many large, private practice firms have an annual intake of graduates and may have closing dates as early as December or January of your final year. Others will accept speculative applications slightly later. Contact smaller employers on a speculative basis from around Easter. Public sector organisations rarely accept speculative applications and usually advertise vacancies as they occur.

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