Quantity Surveyor Review

I attend University in 4 block weeks per year so I have a full-time job 5 days a week usually. My typical daily tasks are working on Subcontract orders, Measurements and Management of Subcontractors - I am mainly in the site office working on excel, bluebeam etc. but I do go onto site 1-2 times per week usually.

I have learnt about contracts, both creating them and managing them, cost management, general construction practices, measuring and billing construction works, communication skills - I have improved my vocabulary and general confidence with talking with senior representatives as I quite often correspond with directors when working on procuring Subcontractor packages

I thoroughly enjoy it, I like that the University side is done in block weeks so I work alongside the rest of the team without having to miss a day per week for University, this had made me feel a bigger part of the team as I am on the same schedule and aware of all issues/ conversations on site. I also feel like the team around me are really supportive and want me to develop myself, they are always looking for opportunities for me to enhance my knowledge and will take the time to explain anything in as much detail as I need.

Very well, I know my University block week dates a year in advance, accommodation and food is provided when I am at University and the team on site are all aware supporting me in the day-to-day role I have.

Lot's I have been offered time within the working week to work on my University assignments and in general are aware that I may need additional detail and time, they check in on me lot's and have made me feel comfortable enough to ask if I have any queries or concerns. There are also lot's of support mechanisms within Kier such as mental health trained personnel in all offices who are always available

I don't feel like they offer much as I usually attend the block week, hear about my assignment and rarely have dedicated time to work on the assignment, I get most of my support and knowledge from the Kier team as I ask them to review my work, I can ask the University but my preferred method is in person with the people I know better. I wouldn't say they aren't supportive as there are options there but I don't usually correspond with the University apart from block weeks or quarterly reviews.

I have had varied experiences with this as I believe it depends on the project / project stage. For example my first University assignment was based on procurement, at work I had not touched on this at the time so my knowledge from researching for my assignment was beneficial when it came to work but on other occasions it has been the opposite.

There are semi-regular Kier organised events with the aim of team building or learning more about the business which are enjoyable. My office doesn't have any sports teams but I know others do, we often get some food and a drink after work on Friday which I always enjoy

Yes

In my experience so far I have really enjoyed the role and business with numerous opportunities in the future and I'm proud to be part of such a large scale operation as we provide so much infrastructure for the U.K. and are key to the country. I also like that we are a Main Contractor and regularly contact client teams and numerous Subcontractors, always meeting new people and learning new aspects of the industry whereas, I imagine that a smaller company who deals with a specific trade would have less variety and experience.

Don't be afraid if you haven't got the best grades or a plethora of extra-curricular activities from previous jobs or school, be confident, determined and eager to develop yourself. If you have the right characteristics for the role they will be noticed.