WHAT does a day in the life of a quantity surveyor entail?
My day consists of the preparation of payment certificates for work done on site. I am also the lead negotiator for mandates granted by the various tender committees on contract rates used before the placing of the contracts with suppliers.
Why did you decide on this career?
The building industry is viewed as a man's world and I wanted to change that perception. I am fascinated by the building of roads, bridges and houses and wanted to be involved in such an environment.
How did you get into this career?
After passing matric I registered for a National Diploma in Building and after that did a Bachelor of Technology in Quantity Surveying.
What's most challenging about being a quantity surveyor?
Building technology has changed so much over the years and there is also a lot of compliance required by the government. The latest of these changes are the "green building regulations". A Waste Management Act has also been approved which states that all products be recycled .
What do you enjoy most about your job?
It's an all-round career. One must keep up with the changes in inflation and interest rates since this affects the costs of projects.
What type of person will make it in a building and construction environment?
There are no special characteristics or personality required for this job; anybody can make it in this industry as long as you have the perseverance and are willing to learn from others.
What subjects do you need to pass in high school to study towards this career?
Mathematics and physical science.
What does one study at tertiary level to be able to get into this career?
Quantity surveying as a major, construction management, construction law, market valuations.
What career opportunities exist for a quantity surveyor?
Opportunities exist in the commercial as well as in the technical fields.
One can choose between procurement and supply chain management working with the buyers of commodities or services; or in a technical field working with engineers in civil-building works, or mechanical or electrical teams.
What growth prospects are there in this career?
The prospects are numerous: in procurement and supply chain management, property departments, and petroleum and oil companies.
What is the starting salary for a QS?
R15000 to R18000 a month.
Surveyor's job is all-round career
WHAT does a day in the life of a quantity surveyor entail?
My day consists of the preparation of payment certificates for work done on site. I am also the lead negotiator for mandates granted by the various tender committees on contract rates used before the placing of the contracts with suppliers.
Why did you decide on this career?
The building industry is viewed as a man's world and I wanted to change that perception. I am fascinated by the building of roads, bridges and houses and wanted to be involved in such an environment.
How did you get into this career?
After passing matric I registered for a National Diploma in Building and after that did a Bachelor of Technology in Quantity Surveying.
What's most challenging about being a quantity surveyor?
Building technology has changed so much over the years and there is also a lot of compliance required by the government. The latest of these changes are the "green building regulations". A Waste Management Act has also been approved which states that all products be recycled .
What do you enjoy most about your job?
It's an all-round career. One must keep up with the changes in inflation and interest rates since this affects the costs of projects.
What type of person will make it in a building and construction environment?
There are no special characteristics or personality required for this job; anybody can make it in this industry as long as you have the perseverance and are willing to learn from others.
What subjects do you need to pass in high school to study towards this career?
Mathematics and physical science.
What does one study at tertiary level to be able to get into this career?
Quantity surveying as a major, construction management, construction law, market valuations.
What career opportunities exist for a quantity surveyor?
Opportunities exist in the commercial as well as in the technical fields.
One can choose between procurement and supply chain management working with the buyers of commodities or services; or in a technical field working with engineers in civil-building works, or mechanical or electrical teams.
What growth prospects are there in this career?
The prospects are numerous: in procurement and supply chain management, property departments, and petroleum and oil companies.
What is the starting salary for a QS?
R15000 to R18000 a month.
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