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Blog/Three Quantity Surveying Career Paths

Three Quantity Surveying Career Paths

Sunday, October 27, 2024

I have interviewed top 1% Construction Pro’s

I have worked with the CEO of Balfour Beatty for 3 months as the only person chosen in the entire company

I have friends who have had 5 promotions in 10 years

I can see what they have done that is different to others.

My hope for this article is to make you aware that there are levels to this game.

You can be in a job and work for money

You can be in a career and develop your knowledge and skills

You can be in mastery and wake up excited every day

​Let me show you the difference and then what I would love for you to do is to identify where you are and where you want to be.

Mark = Job

Mark graduated from university with a degree in Quantity Surveying. Eager to start earning and pay off his student loans, he took the first job he was offered at a small construction firm.

​Mark’s Day-to-Day:

  • Mark spends his days calculating costs for construction projects, preparing tender documents, and handling invoices. He meticulously follows company protocols and ensures everything is accurate.
  • His primary motivation is financial stability. He clocks in at 9 am and out at 5 pm, eager to leave work behind when the day ends.
  • Mark does his job well but doesn’t feel particularly connected to it. He looks forward to weekends and vacations more than anything.

After five years, Mark remains in a similar role, with occasional pay raises. The job has provided financial security but not much else.

​He hasn’t pursued further qualifications or training, and his skill set has plateaued. The lack of passion has prevented him from seeking more challenging opportunities.

Susan = Career

Susan also graduated with a degree in Quantity Surveying but approached her career with a different mindset. She joined a mid-sized construction consultancy firm with a clear plan for her professional growth.

​Susan’s Day-to-Day:

  • In addition to traditional quantity surveying duties, Susan takes on project management roles, mentors junior staff, and continuously seeks new challenges.
  • Susan is driven by professional achievement and recognition. She sets clear goals, attends industry conferences, and takes on additional responsibilities to climb the career ladder.
  • She is highly engaged, often working late to perfect a project proposal or studying for advanced certifications.

After ten years, Susan has advanced to a senior management position. She leads large-scale projects and has built a reputation in the industry.

​She has earned multiple certifications and is RICS Chartered, constantly expanding her knowledge and skills. Her career is fulfilling, offering both financial rewards and professional satisfaction.

John = Mastery

John’s journey began similarly to Mark and Susan, but his perspective on work evolved differently. He started in a reputable construction company, but his passion for sustainable building practices soon took centre stage.

​John’s Day-to-Day:

  • John focuses on projects that align with his values. He specialises in sustainable construction and works on projects that reduce environmental impact. He often collaborates with environmental NGOs and community organisations.
  • Driven by a deep sense of purpose, John is motivated by the positive impact his work has on the environment and society.
  • John’s work is a labor of love. He finds joy in every project, seeing it as a step towards a better future.

John becomes a thought leader in sustainable construction. He starts his own consultancy focused on green building practices and speaks at international conferences.

His work not only brings him immense personal satisfaction but also influences industry standards and inspires others. John’s mastery has created a lasting legacy that extends beyond his own career.

OB = Mark finds financial stability but little personal or professional growth, remaining in a comfortable yet uninspired job.

CAREER = Susan achieves significant professional success and satisfaction by building a thriving career, continually advancing and learning.

MASTERY = John transcends the traditional boundaries of a career, turning his work into mastery that aligns with his deepest values, leaving a meaningful impact on the industry and society.

Through these three stories, we see how the same starting point can lead to vastly different outcomes based on individual motivations, engagement levels, and the alignment of work with personal values and passions.

……….

The next question is…

How can you control your career, manage projects efficiently, and become a highly valuable Quantity Surveyor?

This is where Construction Mastery becomes your ultimate solution

Construction Mastery is a digital tool for forward thinking Quantity Surveyors!

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