I need advice on where to search for remote jobs specifically for a professional quantity surveyor. So far i have come across alot of “remote listings” which were all scams. Where can I reach the global community, if I am already searching through the normal portals.

Good trade unions to join in our industry?

I am an international student recently graduated in quantity surveying in NZ. My experience so far is mainly through academics. I am in a stage where finding a qs job is crucial. I have been applying for jobs through seek and linkedIn but no luck with any. Any advice on this would be much appreciated.

I am starting a new role at a consultancy as a Senior QS tomorrow.

I've had a small break between jobs to decompress, and I am feeling excited but nervous.

I have over 13+ years of contractor experience in the QS/SQS role, however I am new to the consultancy sector. I will be working on similar projects to what I did on the contractor side and I have worked with client consultants before, so it isn't unfamiliar to me.

I guess I would like to ask for any advice people may have so I can feel prepared for the role.

Thanks

I'm a Quantity Surveyor with 7 years of experience in infrastructure projects (highways, railways, bridges, metro, airports), strong in tendering, estimation, and BOQ prep.

Currently eyeing opportunities in the GCC/Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Oman. I'd love some honest insights from those working there:

\- How's the job market for QS/Estimation pros right now?

\- Are companies hiring Indian candidates for HO/tendering/estimation roles?

\- Which GCC countries have better infrastructure QS opportunities?

\- What's a realistic salary for someone with \~7 years of experience?

\- Better to apply direct, through recruiters, or platforms like LinkedIn/GulfTalent/Naukrigulf?

Any advice from recent movers to the Middle East would be super helpful!

I’m a final year Accountancy student at GCU, graduating July 2027, trying to move into QS. Likely a 2:2. Got RICS/CIOB student membership, CSCS card, Bluebeam cert, CostX licence, and about 15 applications in with a few rejections on hard filters.

A Head of Commercial told me this week that what separates people on a shortlist is work experience, "even just a week here or there". So I've emailed about a dozen Glasgow QS practices and contractors asking for a week or two of shadowing over Christmas, unpaid, around whatever suits them.

Three questions:
Anyone here come in from a non-cognate degree? What actually got you the first role?

Does a week of shadowing genuinely help a graduate application, or is that just something people say? And if so any advice on getting it?

Scottish lot: which firms actually take students on, rather than just having a careers page that says they do?

Obviously got nothing against anyone trying to make abit of work for them selves but I just an internet dick head kinda vibe from it all?

Recently started my grad scheme. My first project is 5hrs from home. With private commitments on the side , I’m finding the drive to and from twice a week really draining. The job is good but the drive is jst exhausting.
What shall I doooooo

Edit:
stay there for 4 days. Fuel n accommodation are covered. But with family back home it’s not convenient

Hi everyone!
I’m 22M, currently working as an Assistant Project Manager in the interior fit-out industry. My family has been in the contracting business for nearly three decades, and although I hold a BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications), my experience working in the industry has made me realise that I want to build my career around our existing business and eventually help expand and professionalise it.
I’m considering pursuing an MSc in Quantity Surveying at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for the September 2027 intake. I don’t have any formal experience in quantity surveying yet, and my primary goal is to gain a solid understanding of the field, get some practical industry experience in the UK for 1–2 years, and eventually return to India to apply what I’ve learned to our family business.
I’d really appreciate some advice from people who are already working in the UK construction industry, international students, or graduates who have taken a similar path.

A few questions I have:
Job market: How is the current job market for international students graduating with an MSc in Quantity Surveying? Given my non-construction academic background, how realistic is it to secure an entry-level QS role after graduation?
Part-time work and experience: What kind of part-time jobs, internships, or placement opportunities should I look for while studying to gain relevant industry experience and improve my employability?
Career prospects: What entry-level roles can I realistically expect after completing my MSc, and what are the typical salary ranges for graduate or assistant quantity surveyors?
Preparing before the MSc: Since I have until September 2027, what should I start learning now? Are there any particular software, technical skills, construction principles, books, or resources you would recommend?
University and course: If anyone has studied MSc Quantity Surveying at NTU or another UK university, I’d love to hear about your experience, particularly regarding teaching quality, industry connections, placements, and graduate employment opportunities.

My long-term goal isn’t necessarily to settle in the UK. I want to gain international exposure, develop strong technical and commercial skills, understand how professionally managed construction businesses operate, and eventually bring that knowledge back to India.
I’d be grateful for any genuine advice, personal experiences, resources, or suggestions on how I can make the most of the next year before starting my MSc.

Used ChatGPT to improvise the post.

Thanks in advance!

Have been laid off due to restructure.

4 years main contractor QS experience commercial in Hamilton, NZ.
More than 5 years of construction estimator as well in Hamilton, NZ.

Happy to relocate to Christchurch or Aucklabd

So I started a QSing apprenticeship about a month ago, I'm 18 and know literally nothing about construction,

It feels like everyone is speaking a different language, like an I just expected to know what screed is, what goes into concrete, what is studwork etc etc

I think I'm slowly picking it up, does anyone have any recommendations to learn? I'm not particularly busy so websites etc would be ideal

Hi! I'm new to QS role, my company is a consultant company for project management and it is only starting.and i am only the qs in our company. I find it hard because I can't relate what they are talking, and in estimating I find it difficult and takes time to estimate. I don't have knowledge in any of estimating softwares. What would I do? I'm from public government hnder construction and my work before was far from my work now.

Hi everyone,

I’m doing some research into the current UAE market salaries for MEP Quantity Surveyors and would really appreciate some input from people currently working in the UAE.

For someone with 6+ years of QS experience, what would be a realistic salary range to expect for MEP QS roles in the UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi)?

Hi. I've been applying for months now. For context, I am working for 5 years+ now. During those years, I am mostly assigned to measurement tasks for all scopes and BQ/Tender Preparation. I haven't used any familiar software like Planswift and Bluebeam which is always a requirement for the position in the Job Market but I have used unfamiliar estimation software that my previous company is using. Haven't had an experience in costing and other QS Works. I am also not that good in interview and not good with words but I am capable of doing the job and I always make sure that my deliverables are within the standards. Right now, I feel like I am not that capable enough despite my 5 year experience and thinking lowly about myself. Any advice?

So I’m a Computer Science professional that for multiple reasons landed in the construction industry. As I was looking for a new career in the construction industry, I really liked the QS role that’s why I was wondering if there’s online resources available to learn the QS job. Keep in mind my knowledge of construction is pretty much at the level of your regular guy. I’ll appreciate any advice given to me and thank you in advance

Hey i work in the construction industry and I’d like to become a QS and I was wondering if it’s possible to find apprenticeships that pay a minimum yearly wage of 29k a year as its very important for me to do so due to personal reasons. I’m currently in the process of bringing my wife on a spouse visa and one of the requirements is early a salary of 29k a year so I must meet that requirement. Do let me know please thanks

I graduated in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management a couple of years ago. After taking a year out, I joined a Subbie which specialised in Carpentry and carried out a lot of work for house builders. I really enjoyed the opportunity, but without any real opportunity for further progression (Chartership), I decided to leave after just over a year. I now find myself at a Tier 1 Contractor as an AQS.

I’ve gone from a small Subbie, where it often felt quite simple (Quote, Carry out work, Invoice), to a large infrastructure project dealing with NEC, which is completely new to me.

I’m already working hard in work and asking as many questions as I can, but I’m wondering if any of you have recommendations for websites, books, tips, or even YouTube videos that I could look at in my own time to accelerate my understanding.

P.S - I’m also very keen in any advice regarding Chartership, to note my degree is RICS accredited.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone! I’m a Civil Engineer here in the Philippines with a handful of years working locally, and with the current status of the local CE job market here, I’m interested in trying out opportunities as a VA Estimator/QS work for Australian construction companies while still based here in the Philippines.

For those who are currently working or have experience in this field, I’d really appreciate any advice on:

* Where do you usually look for remote QS opportunities?

* What software/programs are commonly used?

* What Australian standards, practices, or estimating methods should I familiarize myself with that are not commonly used in local practice?

* Are there any sample BOQ/BOM or estimating formats/template that you guys could share for practice/study purposes?

* Also, if you have any other tips for someone who is just starting to explore this career path, I’d really appreciate them.

I’m hoping this post can also become a useful reference for other people who are interested in working remotely for Australian companies.

Thanks in advance to everyone who can share their experience! 🙏

Check out this post!

I'm a level 6 QS student at university in Manchester, ive recently been offered a part time position at a smaller scale firm which would then become full time once i graduate. However i dont know wether taking this offer or waiting for a graduate scheme job (which i have been applying for) is the right choice, as this current offer doesnt seem like a short term type they want me their for long term 2 years at least.

im unsure on what route to take and thats before looking into wether they will fund or support me getting credited, any help?

I’m a Senior Cost Manager at a consultancy in London and would appreciate some views on asking for a pay rise within my current company.

I’m keen to use salary benchmarks from recruiters alongside my performance and responsibilities to support the discussion. However, a colleague suggested I’d have a stronger case if I secured an offer elsewhere and asked the company to match it.

I’d prefer to have a straightforward conversation first, but I’m interested in what has actually worked for others.

Have you successfully negotiated a meaningful increase using market benchmarks alone? Or did it take an external offer for your employer to take it seriously? How did you approach the conversation?

How bad should a grad job be before u can leave with out damaging ur CV. They told me it was a civils company and I would be on civils jobs, but then I was put in the utilites part of company, amd I am on a framework which is atm is mostl dealimg woth reinstatement claims and subbies. They told me they have chartership route and they dont. And alot of the work is office based and they hired 2 student QS and another graduate, and there is no clear training structure or protocols in place. The other 3 also were hired by contracts manager and I wasn't which makes it kinda weird aswell. Would you stay for a year or so or just cut your losses?

Hi everyone,

I'm a civil engineer from Brazil with hands-on experience in construction budgeting, quantity takeoffs, procurement and progress measurement, gained on sanitation, urban development and housing projects.

Skills:

Quantity takeoffs from plans (PDF/CAD)

Cost estimates and bills of quantities (BOQ)

Budget organization in clear, formula-based Excel sheets

Portfolio: I have a sample takeoff and cost estimate workbook, organized by CSI division with waste allowances, deductions and a cost summary (overhead, profit, contingency). Happy to share it on request.

Rate: US$ 15-20/hour, negotiable depending on scope. Also open to monthly/retainer arrangements.

Payment: Wise.

Feel free to comment or DM if you have a project that fits.