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I need help with my career. Degree in construction management, but enjoy QS

Afternoon All,

I need some career advice.

I completed my degree last year with a 1st class honours degree and since the age of 18 I always wanted to be a Project Manager. But in order to do that in the construction industry, working for a main contractor, is to go through the clear but laborious route of Trainee Site Manager, assistant site manager, site manager, senior site manager and then Project manager. However since doing it, its not what I have expected it to be. I always thought I had an idea of it doing internships and work experience but doing the real thing has really shocked me.

However, I have done the quantity surveyor placement and I have really enjoyed it. There is a clear structure of work, you are not reliant on anyone to do your set tasks. But because I don't specialise in it, I would have to do a conversion course, which is essentially a masters. This has really put a spanner in my works. My hesitations stem more from a concern about my aptitude for the role, given the substantial shift it would entail. As you have to withhold information for long periods of time and I unfortunately have a short term memory.

Can someone offer me some advice please, I have never been more lost.

Reply 1

Teesside University

Official Rep

Original post by LearudyBE

Hi @LearudyBE

I had the exact same thoughts when I was planning my career path, looking at what I was qualified to do against what I wanted to do, and it's never a walk in the park.

Whilst I'm by no means an expert on the field of construction management and quantity surveying, I would always advise people to pursue what they enjoy as you'll be more motivated in what you do as opposed to something you don't enjoy as much. I'd look at it from the long term and think 'If I continue what I'm doing now, can I see myself being happy in the next ten years'. A deviation now may be frustrating in the short term, but look at your future career opportunities if you were to do a conversion course and decide if that's where you'd rather be.

It's never an easy decision to make but I'd always recommend to look ahead and devote yourself to what you enjoy the most as it'll be so much more rewarding.

Best of luck,

Tom - Marketing & Content Assistant - Teesside University