Msc Quantity surveying

[mm23]

I've just secured a place to complete my Msc quantity surveying course, I have got a offer from London South bank University and also from Kingston University.

I have been working for a small construction company for the past 18 months and have enjoyed what my job entails. Focusing on project management/cost estimation side of things at a assistant level. Working with one of the partners estimating work, but also been managing the subcontractors, deliveries, ordering materials and dealing with any problems along the way.

Projects have been conversion of properties into flats and HMO, refurbishing residential dwellings and some basic commercial refits. Projects have ranged up to £500k.

Reasoning behind the masters my current employer cannot really offer me any job progression. So have been considering my options, and as my undergrad is not RICS accredited, employment at different firms is not really a option. This conclusion has been made from my research into job roles.

I understand that currently my job role is more project management orientated, but i would like to pursue quantity surveying as it would open more options for me. I could still stick with project management but can also consider cost control, estimation etc.

I have spoken to the Universities thoroughly, they have assured me these courses are tailored as conversion courses. On the other hand speaking with others i have also been told that they are fairly intense (i expect that being a Msc). Any one on here completed a Msc in surveying? How difficult if not from a construction background? Undergrad is in business.

I am currently handing out my CV at building sites to enable me to get some voluntary work experience. I have also mailed my CV to the larger house builders to see if I can gain any voluntary work experience. I have also looked at smaller surveying firms with no joy. I am funding my Msc myself and yet I am still finding it impossible to gain experience. I want to have a larger companies name on my CV which I find will be more beneficial than the small company I currently work for.

Any idea where I could gain work with day release (that would be the dream scenarios) and i will pay for my masters myself? or failing that any place that would let me gain experience and i would do it for free? albeit for a fewer days a week?

Any help appreciated?

Edited by mm23 on Monday 18th August 15:07

[mm23]

I was thinking as these were tailored to non cognate conversion course it would be more suited to me.

I also need to stay in London so these were my two choices.

Any more feedback will be appreciated

[mm23]

Anyone else?

Seems to be a lot of surveyors on here, going by the old posts?

[mm23]

Thank you for the reply, I understand experience is always required. This is the reason why i am trying to get a position as a trainee. Surely i would be more attractive to employers, as i am self funding my Msc?

[mm23]

My undergraduate is in Business, hence not rics accredited. So finding a job without going university is pretty impossible, my current employer is to small to provide me with anymore progression. Therefore going back to uni and looking for unpaid work across London to gain the experience i need.

[mm23]

Thank for the replies guys, yes my ungrad not being related to construction is a stumbling point.

I am going to take on the offer from one of the uni's; Kingston being the easier one for me to commute to, however my understanding is Southbank is better for surveying? Anyone care to advise?

Has anyone actually done a Msc as a conversion course?

Like stated before I have been actively cold calling the large constructions firms to ask for voluntary work experience?

I am really interested in Willmott Dixon interiors, as i believe i can transfer some of my current skills over to them, will see how it goes?

Please guys keep the advice coming?

ClaphamGT3- you have pm

[mm23]

Sorry buddy I emailed you through you members profile.

[mm23]

I am based in London, very close to Wembley stadium

Edited to add which uni is better London Southbank or Kingston?

Edited by mm23 on Thursday 21st August 21:23

[mm23]

Thank you above for the advice. I have been informed by someone who is on the final stages of the Msc course, to secure a work placement before i commence on the masters.

I have until the 15th to decide whether I want to start the masters this year or to defer it until the next academic year.

Please keep the advice coming.

[mm23]

I just thought I would update this thread as its nearly a year on. I actually didn't take up the MSc I put my place on hold for a year. I had to stay working in a similar role as before, due to personal circumstances I actually couldn't take a pay cut hence just kept working to make ends meet. However throughout the year have kept a eye out and applied to jobs training/graduate schemes which start in September but I have not had any luck.

But I am still dead set on getting into to quantity surveying, i should assume having another year of experience will not do me any harm.

If anyone has any advise or any opportunities it will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[mm23]

Thanks chap look forward to your reply

[mm23]

Hugo85 said:

Did you apply for WD Interiors?
Usually intake of management trainees over summer in prep for September start.

No I cant find the application link?

A chap on here nick said he may be able to help me out, but I didnt respond to him on time and I cant seem to get in touch with him now. He was at WD if I am not mistaken.

Thanks for all the help guys please keep suggestions coming.

[mm23]

Thank you so much for asking, I wouldn't mind applying for a assistant role however I believe not having a quantity surveying degree would hinder my chances.

The surname was Wilner according to his email address but not sure, would be great getting a job at wilmott dixon.

Thanks for you help could you give me a heads up if anything does come up, that would be great.

Anyone else out there help me out?