Graduate - Engineering Services Mechanical and Engineering (M&E)
Cost Consultant, London
Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
Joined Cyril Sweett in August 2006
GRADUATE EXPERIENCE
Danny
Describe a typical day for you at Cyril Sweett
“There isn’t a typical day or week at Cyril Sweett and one of the attractions of the job is its variety. As a QS within the practice, my time at work is split up into the various pre and post contract duties that accompany the profession. From high level cost planning to managing client accounts and budgets, the type of work is interestingly varied. My time is mainly office-based, with site visits and external meetings at least a couple of times a week. Combined with day release at University to study for my part time QS MSc, my weekly schedule is always busy, but rewarding.”
What do you like most about working here?
“What attracted me to the QS profession was the dynamic nature of the job; a mix of mathematically based work, the potential to liaise with clients and colleagues both internally and externally, and having an input in the design of buildings. This concept is embraced in the nature of work undertaken by Cyril Sweett. I cannot imagine that this type of work would be available to me if I worked for another QS practice or a building contractor. Cyril Sweett is a company that takes the development of individual professional and academic careers very seriously. Despite the fact that I don’t have a typical QS academic background, the company is willing to invest in my future in the knowledge that it will pay off.”
What exciting projects have you worked on?
“Working in the M&E cost consultancy team, I get to work on a variety of projects, primarily based in the commercial sector. This mainly involves building and refurbishing offices for banks and accountancy firms etc. Cyril Sweett’s position as a leading QS practice in turn attracts prestigious jobs – I’m often proud to find myself working on a building that has just featured in the news!
Despite my relative inexperience in the job, I find that I’m taking on a level of work that in many firms would not be trusted to an assistant QS. This is all due to that fact that colleagues and senior members of the team give full support to graduates. I’m currently producing a cost plan for one of the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms.”