Quantity surveyor

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

• find out a client's needs and assess if the plans are feasible
•  work out quantities and costs of materials, time and labour for tenders
•  negotiate contracts and work schedules
•  advise on legal matters, including risks and disputes
•  monitor sub-contractors and stages of construction
•  report on costs and prepare accounts for payment
•  keep up to date with construction methods and materials
•  follow health and safety and building regulations

• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to use your initiative
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• a graduate training scheme

With experience, you could become a senior quantity surveyor or move into senior project management, supply chain management, consultancy work or self-employment.

You could specialise in areas like planning, risk assessment or contract disputes.

Another option is to move into lecturing at a university or college.