dalemcburnie

Hello,

I have looked into the possibility of working in Dubai or similar as a QS but without a degree I was led to believe that it would be unlikely, I have an HNC and 8/9 years experience in contracting and housebuilding.

If anyone can give me some indication to whether I have the quals to get a decent position out there it would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Dale

Chesney Hawkes

I am a QS, I came out here late last year and one of the requirements was that I had a degree. However I don't think every employer will require it. I was speaking with my boss last week and he was telling me that from his perspective having those qualifications don't always mean you're the best person for the job.

I suggest you should try contacting a few companies out here and speak with them direct to gauge a general opinion. You could even contact a recruitment company - I got my job through Hays International and they should be able to give you some information.

Davedurdans

I'm in the same position. I am a QS with 4 years experience and I have a degree but not in surveying, in computing.

I have an NVQ in surveying (big deal [rolls eyes]) and can provide evidence of targets reached and passed on my projects.

Will I stand any chance of getting a job?

Cabbage

Both me and my husband are QSs (with our first offers received yesterday! Woohoo!) and we've been told by various agencies that degrees are essential.

We've been dealing with BBT and they've been pretty damn good, I'm sure they'd be able to give advice.

Good luck!

Davedurdans

Hmmmm who are BBT? Im new to this.

Also I'm looking at getting a diploma in surveying. I take it they won't budge on the whole surveying degree thing?

CeeBee

Beresford Blake Thomas.

Also try Maxim and Michael Page.

Davedurdans

The annoying thing is even the intermediate surveyors must have a degree in it. I am well past the intermediate surveying level. Does that mean I cant even get that job???

Desert Rat

I am a qs and I'm working in dubai as a commercial manager, I do not hold a degree. But i am qualified to FRICS which is recognised as equilvent.

Also, I have several work colleagues who are in qs positions without degrees. There is a massive demand for qs 's here, if you email your contact details i can put you in touch with good agents

dalemcburnie

I've just started to talk to Maxim, just trying to get as much information as i can together so all your feedback is great, as I understand it now, the degree is usually required as a work visa is easier to obtain for the company employing you however it can be overcome, as I get more info all post it for anyone else in the same position.

Cheers

Dale

sg800

I work in recruitment specifically for QS's (and architects), so here are my thoughts from speaking with clients every day:

-9 out of 10 companies will want a degree
-Some wont even consider a BEng/BSc Cons Mgt/Civil Eng etc - has to be BSc Quantity Surveying
-Some wont consider someone without RICS, some will
-UK housebuilding experience isnt thought of massively highly by most companies - reason being it generally is not high value and not high rise. Most projects here are high value and high rise....
-there are exceptions to every rule it is about finding them

If anyone wants more info feel free to PM me, happy to have a chat on a casual basis no pressure just to give advice and see what you want to do

Cheers

sg800

I have a great commercial manager role that has just come up, PM me if you want more info

nzwalkers

Working in NZ for past 22 years. 15 years in Professional QS offices( first 8 in the UK, 7 in NZ), 15 years in Commercial Contracting last 13 years of which as CM with 10 QS's in Commercial Department and two support staff. Also Estimating Manager during the last 13 years. Quals, BSc Quantity Surveying, ANZIQS, Reg QS. Interested to hear of SCM opportunities.Time for a new challenge. Sorry can't send a PM as I don't have three posts! Maybe you can PM me back.
Regards
Neil Walker