Quantity surveying, as a profession, has changed over the past decade. From a single-handed role to handling multiple roles, from providing investment appraisals to managing construction projects, the profession has expanded over the years due to client needs and market changes. Staying updated in such an evolving field becomes mandatory. 

Apart from this, the role of technology in quantity surveying has seen a rise. We all know that with emerging AI-ML(Artificial Learning-Machine Learning) technologies, professionals should be able to gauge the underlying opportunities. This is only possible when graduates and quantity surveyors take new and updated quantity surveying courses to upgrade their skill sets.

This article discusses the importance of continuing education and the areas to focus on for continuing education. It hints towards a preferable course that can help quantity surveyors stay up-to-date. 

Why is Continuing Education Important?

Continuing to educate yourselves has become essential to stay abreast of the continually changing role of quantity surveyors since the 1980s. A research paper reveals that the development trends in the building economics subject domain that occurred during the latter part of the twentieth century have significantly impacted the changing roles of the quantity surveying profession. 

For instance, the introduction of cost data explosion, cost engineering techniques, and life-cycle costs in the 1980s; value management, risk analysis, quality, and expert systems in the 1990s led by the commercial revolution; and finally, the involvement of IT in construction, added value in building and design, and knowledge management in the 2000s is a testament to the changing trends and scope of the role of a quantity surveyor.

If the quantity surveying professionals had not been updated or continued their educations, they would have gone outdated!

Areas to Focus in Continuing Learning as a Quantity Surveyor

Look for a quantity surveyor course suitable for both a beginner and a professional. You must look for the following things when deciding to choose a course:

• Professional Development

Look for courses that offer certifications or qualifications recognised by industry bodies. For instance, by pursuing an MBA in Construction Economics and Quantity Surveying from RICS SBE, Amity University has dual accreditations in RICS and PMI-GAC. Both of these are internationally acclaimed bodies in the built environment sector. This can enhance your credibility and career prospects. 

• Leveraging Digital Tools and Platforms

With the rise of technology in the construction industry, you must focus on courses that teach the use of software like BIM (Building Information Modeling), cost management tools, and project management applications. You must also focus on understanding data analytics and digital project delivery methods, which can provide a competitive edge and improve project efficiency. 

• Soft Skills and Specialisation

You must look for courses that enhance communication, negotiation, and leadership skills. These soft skills will enable you to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders. Consider specialisation in areas such as sustainable construction, infrastructure, or international quantity surveying practices. This can help you carve out a niche and increase your value in the job market.

A Degree That Will Help You Stay Updated

An MBA programme will equip you with a broader understanding of business principles, including finance, marketing, and management. This will help you apply these concepts to your work in quantity surveying, such as developing business plans, managing projects more effectively, and understanding the financial implications of your decisions. MBA courses will enhance your leadership skills, improve strategic thinking, will help you build networks and polish your communication and presentation skills.

So, going for an MBA in Construction Economics and Quantity Surveying will be a step in the direction of continuous learning anf growing. 

Summing Up

Therefore, continuing education is essential for quantity surveyors to stay relevant, competitive, and successful in their careers. By investing time and effort in professional development, you can enhance your skills, knowledge, and career prospects.