PMI-SCP™,PMI-CP™, PMP®,MNIQS|| Project Management & Business Development Consultant ||Quantity Surveyor
Thinking aloud: Why are Quantity Surveyors (QS) not always looking at the opportunity to transition into executive roles, such as Business Development Manager, as they only focus heavily on technical responsibilities. I believe with their strong financial, cost management, and market analysis skills plus some Business strategy skills, QS professionals are well-positioned to drive business growth. By shifting focus from purely technical tasks, they can leverage their expertise to secure new opportunities and lead strategic initiatives. And I believe that, exploring these roles can significantly enhance their career impact. Quantity Surveyors should not remain confined to traditional QS duties…
And I'm one of those who defy this view of just sitting behind my table to prepare bills and supervise projects only. I agree with your opinion of adding value, hence, my interest in using my cost management abilities in the Food, Agric, Fashion and Tourism world, totally different from just the QS technical ability norms or just visiting the site for inspections and Co. I must tell you I'm enjoying every bit. However, I'll continue to love QS for the intellectual basics it gave us to explore other worlds 🙌🏽 😃
Interesting view This is a great thought Kabeer, QS has been kinda myopic, that the profession generally has a defined role for us and always tries to limit us. The Industry is borderless for QS if we explore so well. Thanks for raising this.
The breadth and depth of training and job functions of Quantity Surveyors position them to suitably take up opportunities in other industries aside construction and even occupy management roles. To realize this, they must build on their interest to understudy areas of relevance of their skills to those industries in order to boost their chances of entering in. There are better opportunities out there for Quantity Surveyors who are willing to come out of their comfort zones.
Quantity Surveyors can easily be seen as business analysts, as both roles require similar skills in analyzing costs and unit rates. By leveraging the dynamic nature of business, Quantity Surveyors have a significant opportunity to apply their expertise in estimation and rate analysis to broader business contexts. Utilizing these techniques in business operations will not only enhances decision-making but also increases the likelihood of success. The transferable skills of cost analysis and estimation will make Quantity Surveyors well-equipped to thrive in various business environments. My opinion though.
Interesting view indeed. Perhaps we can see more QS venture in this sort of executive role.
Strong opinion! I also believe there are endless opportunities for Quantity Surveyors. We should continue preaching this so as to motivate all to look beyond technical roles and most importantly become solutions provider.
Well said. When I decided to get an MBA, I got a lot of questions from colleagues asking why I was intrested in getting a business degree. I think it’s high time we look beyond just bill of quantities and explore opportunities. Just like you said, quantity surveyors have all it takes to be one of the best business consultants and financial strategists. I am glad someone is talking about this. 👍
I tell you o. Why? I think we are so engrossed in our technical competence, that we do not see that technical ability does not work alone.
Well said Kabeer Oloyede
Quantity Surveyor at Laralek Ultimate Limited
6moI quiet agreed with your submission, but as a professional Quantity Surveyor, our core value and responsibilities anchor on technical and management skills. However, the institute can broaden our management scope to business development and marketing respectively. Thanks for sharing knowledge, well done.