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career move to quantity surveyor?

  • 21-01-2018 9:38pm
    #1
    lightspeed
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,292 ✭✭✭


    Hi

    Im not dead set on anything just yet but im nearly fully qualified as an accountant working within industry but still looking at option to move to QS.

    From what i understand of the role of a quantity surveyor i think it might be a role id be more interested in. I could do a masters in DIT to qualify as a QS so if i decide to go down this route that is likely how I will do it.

    Im just wondering what is the market like at present in ireland and abroad for QS?

    Would be 3 years or so before id be on 40k plus here? I notice most senior QS positions ive seen advertised for within Ireland are around 60-70k and require at least 8 years and above experience.

    Alternatively, is there much scope to go the self employed route as a QS?


Comments

  • #2
    screamer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,185 ✭✭✭screamer


    Qs is a tough job. You're always trying to win work or claw back money to justify your job. Site based QS is tough long hours (I know guys who start at 7am and finish at 7pm). You'll take a long time to get to senior level and unless you have building background you'll find a challenge to understand both building terms and regs and also the measurement/ pricing. More and more Qsing is about innovative ways to save money or get stuff done faster. You could also look at the PQS side but totally office based and takes forever to get the affiliation. Self employed QS not a hope. Sure they'll contact you to price the work but when they don't win the job they won't want to pay for the time you put into the pricing as they got nothing out of it....so there it is, warts and all.


  • #3
    lightspeed
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,292 ✭✭✭lightspeed


    screamer wrote: »
    Qs is a tough job. You're always trying to win work or claw back money to justify your job. Site based QS is tough long hours (I know guys who start at 7am and finish at 7pm). You'll take a long time to get to senior level and unless you have building background you'll find a challenge to understand both building terms and regs and also the measurement/ pricing. More and more Qsing is about innovative ways to save money or get stuff done faster. You could also look at the PQS side but totally office based and takes forever to get the affiliation. Self employed QS not a hope. Sure they'll contact you to price the work but when they don't win the job they won't want to pay for the time you put into the pricing as they got nothing out of it....so there it is, warts and all.


    Thanks, would the working hours be similar whether your working on residential houses or large commercial projects? I see decent paid jobs in London although im aware rent is high in London. I had read on another forum some say that working hours were standard 40 hours/week but that was back in 2012 so maybe its different now.


    Just on what you mentioned about PQS, is there a difference between QS and PQS? I just assumed if i did a recognised masters i could apply to the accredited body for membership similar to other skilled professions. Is there much more to it?

    I actually briefly worked in a loss adjusting company which dealt with claims and disputes on behalf of insurance companies. I would see a few invoices from a small group of quantity surveyors so im assuming this must be another service area QS provide if looking at the self employed route. This is probably a more niche area though and harder to break into.


  • #4
    screamer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,185 ✭✭✭screamer


    Hours really depend on the area but if you want big money expect to work big hours in return. No idea about London. PQS is something you have to work towards almost like a sort of apprentice ship regardless of qualifications. Look it up and have a read of the requirements.
    Last thing I'll say is that burn out is a huge factor among QS guys. By 40 most have jacked it in and moved roles or industries.


  • #5
    lightspeed
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,292 ✭✭✭lightspeed


    screamer wrote: »
    Hours really depend on the area but if you want big money expect to work big hours in return. No idea about London. PQS is something you have to work towards almost like a sort of apprentice ship regardless of qualifications. Look it up and have a read of the requirements.
    Last thing I'll say is that burn out is a huge factor among QS guys. By 40 most have jacked it in and moved roles or industries.

    Just regarding moving to other roles or industries, can you give me some examples if any what roles QS can open you up to?


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