Building Surveyor

Why did you want to become a Building Surveyor?

From a young age I absolutely loved making dens. It made me curious about all of the amazing spaces and how well-built buildings and interiors made me feel. The idea of construction and surveying gave me a buzz and I decided to pursue a career in it.

Did you need any qualifications or training to get into your role?

I started my career after completing a-levels at the age of 18 with an apprenticeship in Local Authority Building Control which was my first step into the industry. After completing a BTEC and an HNC in Construction and the Built Environment, I started a part-time degree in Building Surveying at UWE whilst working. I absolutely loved the course and made a career change to work as a Building Surveyor.

How did you get into your role?

I visited my local careers advise hub to search for jobs and looked in the local newspaper (this was back in 2008). I would recommend using online job advertisements now. I kept my initial job search broad enough to give me a way into construction and from there I could navigate my career. I applied for a range of technical roles in construction that came with training.

What skills do you need in your role?

Above all, you need to be enthusiastic, good with people and a good problem solver. Subjects including maths, english, art and science are all very useful too. As a Building Surveyor, you need a broad range of skills due to the broad nature of the job. You will learn and gain many of these skills on the job including how to use computer aided design (CAD), measuring and surveying tools and regularly using iPad Applications to conduct surveys and reports. You will also develop strong communication and negotiation skills.

What are your working hours and is there room for flexibility?

Working hours vary depending on your company and clients but often total around 37.5 hours per week. I normally start between 8 and 9am and finish somewhere between 5 and 6pm using flexible working. I also work from home one day a week. Sometimes I work night shifts so I can do intrusive surveys without disturbing daily activities in busy buildings. I also travel for surveys - this year I have travelled to the Falkland Islands and Azerbaijan! I really love the diversity!

How far do you want to progress and what opportunities are there to do so?

My long term 10-year goal is to progress to director level within my global company. The sky is the limit and I would like to see more women in senior roles across the industry! My short-term 1-2-year goal is to be promoted to Senior and then Associate Chartered Building Surveyor. To get there I will need to develop on the job experience, winning work, managing more staff and taking on higher value and complex projects. Earning Potential can be around £70k+.

What would you say to others thinking about getting into construction?

I enjoy making a difference every day to the buildings and environment around us! I truly love my job and every day is different; from airports to universities and data centres to shopping malls and travelling to remote locations like the Falkland Islands, my job challenges me every day and it is a privilege to make outstanding places to work, study, live and enjoy for my clients and the public.

Building Surveying is such a vibrant, exciting and diverse role with so many different day-to-day tasks. There is so much variety with lots of on-site days as well as office and problem solving days. You will never be bored and choosing this as a career allows you to make a difference to the buildings and environment around you.

You can follow Sophie's journey on Instagram and Twitter @sophielydia24