Getting into QS

[MattHall91]

Hi all

Can anyone in the industry or with experience tell me how easy it is to change careers and begin as a Trainee QS?

I'm 24, degree educated with no relevant experience (background in sales and marketing). As I've researched it more, it's become more and more appealing.

Matt

[iphonedyou]

We take on quite a few non cognates at graduate level in our company (PQS, SME). Sports Science seems popular for some reason.

We generally ask that they do an RICS accredited diploma like an HND in order that they can begin the chartership process.

[MattHall91]

iphonedyou said:

We take on quite a few non cognates at graduate level in our company (PQS, SME). Sports Science seems popular for some reason.

We generally ask that they do an RICS accredited diploma like an HND in order that they can begin the chartership process.

Thanks. Do you mean before starting or after you've taken them on?

[iphonedyou]

MattHall91 said:

Thanks. Do you mean before starting or after you've taken them on?

After we take them on. That said we've just made an associate out of somebody who started 9 years ago having started out as a pastry chef working under a celebrity chef.

The beauty of the role is it's so varied that at graduate level it's really the quality of the candidate rather than education that matters. I've just moved into private practice having spent two years buying trains, ostensibly as a QS.

[Willeh85]

iphonedyou said:

After we take them on. That said we've just made an associate out of somebody who started 9 years ago having started out as a pastry chef working under a celebrity chef.

The beauty of the role is it's so varied that at graduate level it's really the quality of the candidate rather than education that matters. I've just moved into private practice having spent two years buying trains, ostensibly as a QS.

Sorry to thread jack. I'm in a similar position to OP in that I would like to get into QS starting at the bottom, but I'm 30 and without a degree. I've had varying roles over the last ten years in finance, fraud, and university administration.

I'm willing to undertake a RICS accredited diploma/HND to start the journey as you suggested, but what would my chances be of securing a trainee place be without a degree. I'm confident that I can apply much of my previous experience to a QS role but feel my lack of anything higher than A level qualifications will hinder me at the application stage.

Any advice as to what jobs I should look for and where?

[Hugo85]

Willeh85 said:

Sorry to thread jack. I'm in a similar position to OP in that I would like to get into QS starting at the bottom, but I'm 30 and without a degree. I've had varying roles over the last ten years in finance, fraud, and university administration.

I'm willing to undertake a RICS accredited diploma/HND to start the journey as you suggested, but what would my chances be of securing a trainee place be without a degree. I'm confident that I can apply much of my previous experience to a QS role but feel my lack of anything higher than A level qualifications will hinder me at the application stage.

Any advice as to what jobs I should look for and where?

Should have no issue securing a place without a degree. Not sure if your age may put employer off.
Have a look for trainee roles and go from there. I joined a main contractor with a degree as a trainee and went through university.

[MattHall91]

Hugo85 said:

Willeh85 said:

Sorry to thread jack. I'm in a similar position to OP in that I would like to get into QS starting at the bottom, but I'm 30 and without a degree. I've had varying roles over the last ten years in finance, fraud, and university administration.

I'm willing to undertake a RICS accredited diploma/HND to start the journey as you suggested, but what would my chances be of securing a trainee place be without a degree. I'm confident that I can apply much of my previous experience to a QS role but feel my lack of anything higher than A level qualifications will hinder me at the application stage.

Any advice as to what jobs I should look for and where?

Should have no issue securing a place without a degree. Not sure if your age may put employer off.
Have a look for trainee roles and go from there. I joined a main contractor with a degree as a trainee and went through university.

Just applied for a couple this afternoon to test the water.
Openly stated I have no experience but love a new challenge and stated my transferable skills etc.
Is this the best way to go about getting a trainee position or?

[CRB14]

I'd say so. One of the key attributes of a good QS is how quickly you can pick things up. Because of the nature of our work every project is different. Same with different companies and industries - they all do it differently. I wouldn't particularly worry about lack of experience so hone in on your other abilities when applying.