“BY 2013 PROPERTY AND CONSTRUCTION GRADUATES WILL BE WELL PLACED FOR UPTURN”
The president of the Society of Chartered Surveyors has urged Leaving Certificate students to consider a career in property and construction despite the current economic downturn.
Sean McCormack, President of the SCS and Director of Profesional Services at DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald said “it has to be remembered that the fortunes of the construction industry are cyclical in nature and while it may be going through a downturn at the moment it will recover in the medium term.
Forward thinking students know that in four years time they will be well placed to take advantage of the improved economic climate”.
His call came as the closing date for students to submit their CAO application forms came and went.
According to the president, he outlines certain attributes needed;
“What’s required? First and foremost a surveyor has to have a can do attitude. He or she also has to have an appetite for solving practical problems. In college the surveyor will pick up a broad range of technical skills – spatial, numerical, managerial and legal. But a surveyor also need to be team player with good communication skills and the ability to multi-task.
“What courses? There are actually 7 different disciplines within surveying – which include Quantity Surveying, Valuation and Building Surveying – so there are a variety of courses on offer at different institutions. Dublin Institute of Technology offers 5 courses with several courses also on offer here at the Limerick Institutes of Technology as well as in GMIT..
“On completion of the relevant BSc courses – many of which include an industrial placement year – surveying graduates can avail of a wide variety of employment opportunities in either private practice or public service. In recent years new career paths have emerged with graduates turning their hand to a variety of jobs such as investment banking, law, taxation and development.
“What are the rewards? The level of income for Chartered Surveyors is quite high and compares favourably with other professions – graduate starter salaries are very competitive and large employers frequently offer benefits which might include health insurance and pension schemes (possibly life assurance and a company car).
“Surveying is a global profession and Irish surveyors have long been sought-after to work abroad because of their expert training and skills. Many Irish graduates who want to combine a career with travel are now working in the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Asia (China), Africa, Australia and the USA.
“One thing a lot of surveyors tell us is that no one day is the same. If you want an exciting career with lots of variety and interesting challenges, this could be the profession for you,” added McCormack.
