GRADUATE EXPERIENCE

A Typical day in the Life of a Graduate Quantity Surveyor
We have fortnightly internal APC training in the morning with in-house Directors/Associate Directors lecturing on a specific construction topic. After this, I might have to attend a weekly meeting for a project I'm working on, where the Client, Contractors, Architect and Engineers will be present.

Lunch will probably be spent with my colleagues; we will either sit downstairs in the communal area if the weather's dull or go the park if it's sunny, or browse a few shops!

I may have to spend the afternoon looking through documents associated with the morning's meeting or action points discussed within it. Other afternoon activities might include preparing valuations, writing tender reports, measuring off Architect's drawings or checking Contract documents".

What do you like most about working here?
"I joined Cyril Sweett as I knew that I would be working alongside other graduates; this was important for me coming straight from University. Moreover, I knew that Cyril Sweett would be funding my part-time Masters at South Bank, and that there would be a group of non-cognates from Cyril Sweett enrolled on this course. Furthermore, the size of Cyril Sweett was attractive, as I knew that larger firms could offer greater opportunities, and the prospect of working in London was appealing.

Another reason for joining Cyril Sweett is that I knew that pursuing a career in Quantity Surveying would mean that I would not be confined to my desk everyday. Instead, I would have the opportunity to attend client meetings, visit building sites, and conduct valuations. Also, I knew that I would be mixing with a wide range of people on a day to day basis, and would be spending time out of the office which would make my day more interesting.

Since working at Cyril Sweett, I have attended all of the work socials, including going to the Dogs at Walthamstow, bowling, pub quizzes, a summer booze cruise and the Christmas party. I have also thoroughly enjoyed representing the Company at netball, softball and basketball. I really enjoy working at Cyril Sweett as there is always a friendly office environment, but more importantly there is always someone to go to the pub with on a Friday after work!"

What exciting projects have you worked on?
Currently, I am working on an interesting office fit-out project for an investment bank. The project is exciting since the Client is concerned that the selected Contractor may not be performing to the required standard, and therefore frequent negotiations are taking place. My job as the quantity surveyor is to liaise between the Client and Contractor, and to manage the financial side of the project. However, this is not easy when the Contractor is forever increasing the budget without providing documentary evidence as to why this is substantially higher than the initial proposal.

The Contractor is failing in providing a 'one stop service' for the Design and Build Contract, as I am having to continually chase the Contractor for information, and amend their Contract documents. As the Client is dissatisfied with the Contractor's efforts to date, the Contract has been reduced from four floors to one floor with this Contractor.

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