The Quantity Surveying industry is ever-evolving and is full of opportunities for all. As March marks an international celebration for women, we caught up with some of our female Quantity Surveyors to reflect on their careers to date and the opportunities this industry has given them.
A Rewarding Career Path
When we caught up with some of our female colleagues, we asked them to cast their minds back to when they decided to embark on studing quantity surveying. For many, the QS path was not always clear and choosing a career path at just 18 is a daunting task to say the least. Knowing their interest in the built environment, numeracy, engineering and design, they were soon directed to a career in quantity surveying. Since their time with KSN, they have been exposed to new challenges and exciting career opportunities. They all agree that the variety of the role is what they enjoy most.
Projects can vary considerably whilst working as a quantity surveyor in the construction industry. From new builds to refurbishments, commercial buildings to residential developments, hotels to logistic units, each project brings a new set of challenges and an opportunity to bring with you lessons learned from previous projects all the while gaining invaluable experience.
Construction is flexible and also exciting. It is always changing, with new challenges and projects. There is a whole world of different options within construction. And of course, being part of a successful project is a great feeling.
Regina Basso, Quantity Surveyor
When looking to choose a college course & consequently a career, I wanted the balance of an office job while also getting the opportunity to work outside the office from time-to-time – working as a Clients’ QS allows me to do that.
Aoife Morris, Quantity Surveyor
Diversity & Inclusion
At KSN, we strive to promote quantity surveying as a viable, rewarding career for all. We are committed to a workplace environment that promotes diversity and inclusion and creates an open and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued. Each KSN employee brings their own background, distinct workstyle, capabilities, and experience to their role all of which are embraced into the culture.
Through our successful graduate programme, we have developed close relationships with key stakeholders across the Universities of Ireland, including Dr. Roisin Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Technological University Dublin. Roisin comments on the importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the learning environment. Diversity in the classroom, whether it be gender, ethnicity, age or physical ability, is really welcome, as it enriches our students educational experience. It promotes differing perspectives and approaches, to addressing critical challenges and with that, a broader outlook which prepares graduates well for their future workplace. Research has shown that diversity in the workplace can improve innovation and productivity, but also widen talent pools. Based on the recently published SCSI Employment, Remuneration and Workplace Report, a shortage of Quantity Surveyors is projected over the next number of years, therefore it is imperative that we attract a diverse range of people to the profession.
A wide range of initiatives have been developed over the last number of years, including for example, Surveyors Week, which have been fantastic in promoting careers in surveying. It is imperative that stakeholders from industry, academia and professional bodies continue to collaborate and expand such initiatives to emphasise the wide range of exciting opportunities available for those choosing a career in Quantity Surveying.
Student enrollment on QS third level programmes has increased nationwide, in TU Dublin, we have seen a notable increase in the number of females undertaking the qualification. Almost 25% of our first-year students are female this year which is a really positive move in the right direction in addressing the ongoing gender imbalance across the construction and built environment sector.
Dr. Roisin Murphy, Senior Lecturer, TU Dublin
Backed by KSN
We encourage all our graduates to commence their journey to achieve Chartered Surveyor status (Assessment of Professional Competence) and actively support this process with full team backing, one-to-one advice and individual mentoring. Senior staff recognize the support they received as Graduate/Junior Quantity Surveyors so are motivated to develop our junior staff so they can excel in their own career paths. It is paramount that they are given the guidance and support they need to become a well-rounded Quantity Surveyor. This mentoring allows them to develop the confidence required to manage their own projects. KSN is proud to have built a culture where everyone can share their ideas and every input is valued.
Without being too cliché, a chain is only as good as its weakest link and it is this recognition in KSN to pass down and impart on all the experiences of all colleagues to raise all others and achieve their potential.
Louise Delaney, Associate Director
I love being in the construction environment and dealing with numbers. There is an infinite number of solutions for the same problem, studying different techniques, and sharing ideas to construct a dream is what fascinates me.
Karina Canazza, Quantity Surveyor
The Future of Quantity Surveying
The future for Quantity Surveying is bright. Our profession is dynamic and always adapts to meet the demands of our Industry. Because of the size of our industry and the variety of roles a Quantity Surveyor can be in, it is a great place to work. There are numerous skills we bring to the table everyday outside of the rudimentary role of a Quantity Surevyor . KSN encourages all Quantity Surveyors to embrace the digital future and ensure their own advancement and upskilling to meet the needs of the industry and all our current and future Clients. KSN’s hope is that the industry continues to promote and demonstrate the value of a Quantity Surveyor as a key player in the delivery of a project outside of its traditional ‘measurement’ role.
From leaving TUD (Bolton St. at the time) as a young, female surveyor, many years ago, my experience of the QS landscape has been consistently open and encouraging. Capability and focus supported the trajectory of my own development and have equally supported my progress from Junior Surveyor to that of Company Director. Looking to the future, I’m excited to encourage and support more female surveyors to consider this rewarding industry for a very fulfilling career.
Marion St. John, Director
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