Quantity surveyor : Career development

Experienced quantity surveyors may undertake project management, effectively controlling the whole of a project on behalf of the client from initial design stage through to completion. This development is largely due to the growth of expertise in cost predictions and control. It has led surveyors to use their skills in wider spheres of activity, e.g. cost engineering in the petro-chemical and engineering industries. With experience, some take on more strategic roles in value engineering and risk assessment, while others may specialise in contractual disputes.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)  has many members who work as quantity surveyors. Students seeking work in the civil engineering, petro-chemical and general engineering construction industries may consider joining the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) , approximately half of whose members are qualified quantity surveyors. Similarly, it may be worth joining the The Association of Cost Engineers (ACostE) .

There are opportunities for working abroad. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)  advertises vacancies with international employers through the jobs section of their website, RICS Recruit .