Degree & Career Options
Discussion
Hi All, I've been a long time lurker of these forums and have read many threads in which people have been a great help and I'm hoping someone will be able to give some insight.
I'm currently studying a BSc in Quantity Surveying and have completed a placement year and just about to finish a summer placement, both at large PQS firms. I've found myself after having spent a reasonable amount of time in the role to be unfulfilled and really unchallenged. I realise I may appear naive as I am only a placement student but in both instances I was very much thrown in at the deep end and completed some of the same work senior staff did so I feel I have a good understanding of what the role will entail in the future. Due to me finding the work unchallenging I have excelled and have been informed that both companies want to have me back after I graduate (economy withstanding of course) which is a positive especially in this economy and I feel is an indicator of my ability and work ethic.
Upon reflection I don't feel that I want to have a career in construction or allied industries such as nuclear for a number of reasons including the above along with job security and job stability (more so in 'normal' construction than nuclear) which I have gained a better appreciation of the effect of having spent time in industry.
I am aware there are number of roles I could possibly move in to in Oil & Gas; the office I currently work in recruits for projects for operators and trying to move in to the sector is something I had strongly considered. After quite a while of considering the reality, I'm not sure working away from a permanent 'home base', often away from any form of civilisation, for long periods of time is worth the sacrifice for better pay. I can't imagine it is possible to have any sort of stable home or family life. It doesn't seem there are roles that wouldn't involve extensive travel and relocation in the areas I would likely be suited to such as project controls, unless I am mistaken.
At this point I am strongly considering whether to continue my course in to the final year given my disinterest in working within construction in the future. I am not totally sure what I would like to do as an alternative but I am a driven, ambitious and able person and I'm worried my choice of degree would hold me back in moving in to another line of work.
Somewhat contrary to what I've stated above, I unfortunately didn't do very well in my A-Levels for a number of reasons which would preclude me from general graduate schemes but I feel they do not accurately reflect my ability. I've had the passing thought of re-doing them and starting a different university course, although at this stage I'm not sure if it would be of any benefit given the usually strict entry requirements to graduate schemes. I can't imagine my re-sitting of A-Levels and starting a different degree would be looked upon positively and could be a total waste of time. I'm aware graduate schemes aren't the be all and end all of employment but they do seem the most readily accessible means of moving in to a field that is different from that studied.
I have spoken to a few different people (mostly family) and have been advised by some that my undergraduate degree field will not matter that much and I should finish it and I could do a masters in a different subject to move in to a different field. How likely is this to be a possibility?
Can anyone give some insight in to whether having a construction related undergraduate degree will pigeon hole me in to construction or more so in to a Quantity Surveying role as I feel this is a big factor in whether to continue my course or not.
I should add that I am very aware of the dire employment situation for graduates and should feel lucky that I have a very good chance of employment but I feel that I am capable of a lot more to the point that it's leading to me feeling quite depressed and very worried about the future.
Thanks in advance for any insight and advice.
I'm currently studying a BSc in Quantity Surveying and have completed a placement year and just about to finish a summer placement, both at large PQS firms. I've found myself after having spent a reasonable amount of time in the role to be unfulfilled and really unchallenged. I realise I may appear naive as I am only a placement student but in both instances I was very much thrown in at the deep end and completed some of the same work senior staff did so I feel I have a good understanding of what the role will entail in the future. Due to me finding the work unchallenging I have excelled and have been informed that both companies want to have me back after I graduate (economy withstanding of course) which is a positive especially in this economy and I feel is an indicator of my ability and work ethic.
Upon reflection I don't feel that I want to have a career in construction or allied industries such as nuclear for a number of reasons including the above along with job security and job stability (more so in 'normal' construction than nuclear) which I have gained a better appreciation of the effect of having spent time in industry.
I am aware there are number of roles I could possibly move in to in Oil & Gas; the office I currently work in recruits for projects for operators and trying to move in to the sector is something I had strongly considered. After quite a while of considering the reality, I'm not sure working away from a permanent 'home base', often away from any form of civilisation, for long periods of time is worth the sacrifice for better pay. I can't imagine it is possible to have any sort of stable home or family life. It doesn't seem there are roles that wouldn't involve extensive travel and relocation in the areas I would likely be suited to such as project controls, unless I am mistaken.
At this point I am strongly considering whether to continue my course in to the final year given my disinterest in working within construction in the future. I am not totally sure what I would like to do as an alternative but I am a driven, ambitious and able person and I'm worried my choice of degree would hold me back in moving in to another line of work.
Somewhat contrary to what I've stated above, I unfortunately didn't do very well in my A-Levels for a number of reasons which would preclude me from general graduate schemes but I feel they do not accurately reflect my ability. I've had the passing thought of re-doing them and starting a different university course, although at this stage I'm not sure if it would be of any benefit given the usually strict entry requirements to graduate schemes. I can't imagine my re-sitting of A-Levels and starting a different degree would be looked upon positively and could be a total waste of time. I'm aware graduate schemes aren't the be all and end all of employment but they do seem the most readily accessible means of moving in to a field that is different from that studied.
I have spoken to a few different people (mostly family) and have been advised by some that my undergraduate degree field will not matter that much and I should finish it and I could do a masters in a different subject to move in to a different field. How likely is this to be a possibility?
Can anyone give some insight in to whether having a construction related undergraduate degree will pigeon hole me in to construction or more so in to a Quantity Surveying role as I feel this is a big factor in whether to continue my course or not.
I should add that I am very aware of the dire employment situation for graduates and should feel lucky that I have a very good chance of employment but I feel that I am capable of a lot more to the point that it's leading to me feeling quite depressed and very worried about the future.
Thanks in advance for any insight and advice.
I can't offer any specific advice on QS, but in general, if you only have a year to go I would stick it out. I think that you future prospects, wherever they may lie, are going to be better if you finish your degree. Personally, I don't think that it looks great to chuck in the towel based on a few weeks work experience.
I think that you will have more options, whether working or in further study , with the degree finished.
I think that you will have more options, whether working or in further study , with the degree finished.
Thanks for taking the time to look through that mini essay and thanks for the PM Burty88, I will take a look and reply shortly. I guess my main worry at the moment is whether or not having Quantity Surveying as my undergraduate degree is going to limit what fields I can go in to after graduation regardless of if I do a masters in another field as the degree is vocational and quite focused on construction.
Chris_, I wouldn't drop out with no intention of starting another degree but there's the issue of funding for another course. If I were to drop out now with 2 full years and a sandwich year funded by Student Finance, they may, although I'll have to confirm, fund part of another degree which would lessen the financial blow of starting a different course. If I were to fully complete my current degree I wouldn't be eligible for any funding at all for another degree, so I'm in a bit of a quandary really.
I guess whether I drop out or not rests on whether I am going to be significantly limited in what I can do with my QS degree as a basis, I'm not expecting to be able to walk in to top city jobs but knowing it won't prevent me from making a move in to another sector would be reassuring.
Chris_, I wouldn't drop out with no intention of starting another degree but there's the issue of funding for another course. If I were to drop out now with 2 full years and a sandwich year funded by Student Finance, they may, although I'll have to confirm, fund part of another degree which would lessen the financial blow of starting a different course. If I were to fully complete my current degree I wouldn't be eligible for any funding at all for another degree, so I'm in a bit of a quandary really.
I guess whether I drop out or not rests on whether I am going to be significantly limited in what I can do with my QS degree as a basis, I'm not expecting to be able to walk in to top city jobs but knowing it won't prevent me from making a move in to another sector would be reassuring.
rog007, thanks for your reply, looking through other threads on the forum I've noticed that you seem to be a great source of advice.
You mention conflicting information, what could that be in this context? Perhaps you can advise based on your experience whether I would come across significant hurdles trying to enter a different industry with a QS degree either with or without a masters more aligned to the target industry.
You mention conflicting information, what could that be in this context? Perhaps you can advise based on your experience whether I would come across significant hurdles trying to enter a different industry with a QS degree either with or without a masters more aligned to the target industry.
Sorry; by conflicting information I mean other sources of concern such as location needs, family issues, funding challenges, etc, etc.
In terms of switching industries on qualifying; there are no definites here as each industry and job role will demand different competencies and qualifications. If you wish to be a 'profesional', you will need new qualifications to match that role. If you want to be a generalist then it may be less of an issue.
In terms of going on to a Masters; again, if you specialise it will usually have to follow on from your current BSc. If you want to generalise, then your BSc would gain you entry on to a non-related Masters.
The issue you have it would seem is that whilst you're disillusioned with your current choice, you have not identified a viable alternative to research and scope. This I suggest is what you do next. Ask yourself; what is it that I really want to do/be? Choose, then follow with conviction! And reassure yourself that few of us end up doing what we started out doing, so worry less about absolutes and more about what motivates you now and in to the medium term; the long term has a habit of shaping itself!
Good luck!
In terms of switching industries on qualifying; there are no definites here as each industry and job role will demand different competencies and qualifications. If you wish to be a 'profesional', you will need new qualifications to match that role. If you want to be a generalist then it may be less of an issue.
In terms of going on to a Masters; again, if you specialise it will usually have to follow on from your current BSc. If you want to generalise, then your BSc would gain you entry on to a non-related Masters.
The issue you have it would seem is that whilst you're disillusioned with your current choice, you have not identified a viable alternative to research and scope. This I suggest is what you do next. Ask yourself; what is it that I really want to do/be? Choose, then follow with conviction! And reassure yourself that few of us end up doing what we started out doing, so worry less about absolutes and more about what motivates you now and in to the medium term; the long term has a habit of shaping itself!
Good luck!
rog007 said:
Sorry; by conflicting information I mean other sources of concern such as location needs, family issues, funding challenges, etc, etc.
In terms of switching industries on qualifying; there are no definites here as each industry and job role will demand different competencies and qualifications. If you wish to be a 'profesional', you will need new qualifications to match that role. If you want to be a generalist then it may be less of an issue.
In terms of going on to a Masters; again, if you specialise it will usually have to follow on from your current BSc. If you want to generalise, then your BSc would gain you entry on to a non-related Masters.
The issue you have it would seem is that whilst you're disillusioned with your current choice, you have not identified a viable alternative to research and scope. This I suggest is what you do next. Ask yourself; what is it that I really want to do/be? Choose, then follow with conviction! And reassure yourself that few of us end up doing what we started out doing, so worry less about absolutes and more about what motivates you now and in to the medium term; the long term has a habit of shaping itself!
Good luck!
I guess identifying an alternative route at the moment is the big problem but I can't help but think I would be in a better position if I would have done something more general like a history or even English degree from a respected university, at the moment I feel like I'm destined to be trapped in construction given my current degree and A-Levels that would not allow entry on to a graduate scheme. This is bringing about the thoughts of dropping out to start another degree even if I don't have a definitive path as of yet, at least I would have more options available and the possibility of some funding from student finance if I don't complete my current course. In terms of switching industries on qualifying; there are no definites here as each industry and job role will demand different competencies and qualifications. If you wish to be a 'profesional', you will need new qualifications to match that role. If you want to be a generalist then it may be less of an issue.
In terms of going on to a Masters; again, if you specialise it will usually have to follow on from your current BSc. If you want to generalise, then your BSc would gain you entry on to a non-related Masters.
The issue you have it would seem is that whilst you're disillusioned with your current choice, you have not identified a viable alternative to research and scope. This I suggest is what you do next. Ask yourself; what is it that I really want to do/be? Choose, then follow with conviction! And reassure yourself that few of us end up doing what we started out doing, so worry less about absolutes and more about what motivates you now and in to the medium term; the long term has a habit of shaping itself!
Good luck!
In regards to how dropping out would be perceived by a future employer, I would hope that the fact I had actually experienced the role/industry during my year out and drawn some logical conclusions from the experience that it wouldn't be as bad as if I had just dropped out, out of the blue, without any experience of the 'real world' but maybe that is just wishful thinking! I can imagine that an incomplete degree and then a second degree on a CV could raise some eyebrows but hopefully with some reasoned explanation it wouldn't be such a big issue.
On the issue of professional vs generalist and routes via a masters, could you perhaps give more of an idea of what a generalist role might entail. I'm assuming professional will include jobs that require a specific undergraduate degree and would be out of reach unless I did start another course but what might be considered generalist and is a possibility could provide some direction and make my decision mkaing a bit easier
smokey145 said:
Finish your degree.
Will help with any role you are looking at on graduation , I'm not a great advocate of construction degrees, but as you are so close you may as well complete.
Can you elaborate on why you are not an advocate of construction related degrees, I have my own thoughts on this but hearing from a different point of view could be useful in my decision making. Will help with any role you are looking at on graduation , I'm not a great advocate of construction degrees, but as you are so close you may as well complete.
In a sense at the moment I'm thinking that completing the degree will almost leave a 'black mark' on my record/CV due its specificity and vocation which will cause unnecessary hurdles trying to get in to other industries hence my apprehension about completing it.
I'm at a point where I'm very close to going back for my final year so need to decide quite quickly whether to carry on and nullify any chance of receiving any funding at all for another course or drop out and possibly have funding for at least part of another course which I could supplement with savings.
Thanks for all your help and apologies if it sounds like I'm going around in circles a bit but the looming deadline for my decision is weighing quite heavily!
A list of Professions (there is no single definition of the term 'profession', but a common understanding of one is where a first degree followed by a period of further study or professional training is the normal entry route and where there is a professional body overseeing standards of entry to the profession) can be found at page 5 of the attached report, which may also be of interest to you:
http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/corporate/mig...
Careers that are more generalist that may not require specific training to gain entry are all other roles you can think of that either allow a non-related qualification to support entry or where training is provided on-the-job or where there is no training required at all.
Your specific query about using your first degree in construction to gain entry elsewhere; you could then consider teaching, armed forces, police, fire & rescue services, general management roles in the retail sector and in the NHS (particularly in facilities management) to name just a few.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/corporate/mig...
Careers that are more generalist that may not require specific training to gain entry are all other roles you can think of that either allow a non-related qualification to support entry or where training is provided on-the-job or where there is no training required at all.
Your specific query about using your first degree in construction to gain entry elsewhere; you could then consider teaching, armed forces, police, fire & rescue services, general management roles in the retail sector and in the NHS (particularly in facilities management) to name just a few.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
Thanks for your replies.
After some thinking and discussion with family/friends I've honed in on an area that would likely be something that I want to focus on in the future.
A bit of a general area but 'Computer Science'/software development/internet (SEO, Ecommerce, web development) and related areas are something that I've always had an interest in but for some reason never pursued academically or professionally.
I had a very strong interest when I was younger, beginning programming in Visual Basic at around 11/12 but for some reason this interest fizzled out towards my mid-late teens although I do still run an online retail site at the moment and dabble a bit in PHP/MySQL development and Linux server administration but nothing very in-depth, just maintenance of the site and keeping it running as well as stock ordering/order fulfilment, customer service etc..
In hind sight it is something that I regret not pursuing further as it is something that I always had comments on how I excelled in and in a sense is something that has been staring me straight in the face as what I probably should have done in the first place. I think sticking to a related field career/education wise could be right for me and allow me to feel a sense of satisfaction and actually be challenged with the work I do.
Now I realise I haven't been very specific with what exactly it is I want to do, although I am leaning towards web development and perhaps the backend programming side of things although SEO/marketing/project management among others would be something that interests me as well. I think the web start up scene is something that appeals to me greatly; the idea of working (very) hard on a product and to an extent a company in perhaps more than one role from early on and being heavily involved with a smallish team is the exact sort of thing I could see myself thriving in. I'm hoping someone can advise what my best course of action would be to try to make a move in that general direction.
I am still tossing a few ideas in my mind over what might be the best thing for me to do at the moment between:
- Dropping out of uni and restarting on a Computer Science course (although this would require me to start A-Levels again to be accepted to a 'good' university but it is something I would be willing to do if it is worthwhile)
- Starting a BSc Computer Science course after I've completed my current degree (same issue with A-Levels)
- Starting a MSc Computer Science conversion type course (perhaps even an advanced course after discussing with one admissions tutor) after my current degree. The issue with my undergraduate degree not being related at all to the field is a worry and I would be concerned over how much I would actually learn in the year coming from a non-computer science background with little recent programming experience. Another issue would be that of my A-Levels which could put off a potential employer despite me having a masters and would exclude me from the normal graduate scheme route.
- An option which I think people may suggest is to learn skills in my own time and work on a project, while this is a good idea it can be difficult to effectively learn and work on something when there isn't really a defined project/scope. I'd also worry about not having the fundamental CS type knowledge that would come from a degree and a lot of the development jobs in the areas that I've looked at specify a requirement of a BSc in Computer Science/Computing or even Maths or Physics. How this would work in practice is something I wouldn't be sure of, I'm in my final year of uni so do I finish, take on a possible QS job offer I have and then do this in my spare time then at 'some' point in the future apply to entry level positions? It doesn't seem like a viable option in practice.
Thanks again for reading, I am feeling a lot more relieved since my first post as I feel I have some sort of direction, it is now just a case of taking the next step in the right direction which I am hoping someone here could offer any advice on.
Edit: Forgot another option I was considering which is while I'm studying my current degree try and contact a localish company (I'm in the North West) that works in the sort of area I'm interested in and offer to work for free one or two days a week (depending on uni timetable) doing general 'helper out' type work. I'm not sure anyone would bite given my current degree but if it was possible it could be the foot in the door I need to make the move and possibly gain some invaluable experience.
After some thinking and discussion with family/friends I've honed in on an area that would likely be something that I want to focus on in the future.
A bit of a general area but 'Computer Science'/software development/internet (SEO, Ecommerce, web development) and related areas are something that I've always had an interest in but for some reason never pursued academically or professionally.
I had a very strong interest when I was younger, beginning programming in Visual Basic at around 11/12 but for some reason this interest fizzled out towards my mid-late teens although I do still run an online retail site at the moment and dabble a bit in PHP/MySQL development and Linux server administration but nothing very in-depth, just maintenance of the site and keeping it running as well as stock ordering/order fulfilment, customer service etc..
In hind sight it is something that I regret not pursuing further as it is something that I always had comments on how I excelled in and in a sense is something that has been staring me straight in the face as what I probably should have done in the first place. I think sticking to a related field career/education wise could be right for me and allow me to feel a sense of satisfaction and actually be challenged with the work I do.
Now I realise I haven't been very specific with what exactly it is I want to do, although I am leaning towards web development and perhaps the backend programming side of things although SEO/marketing/project management among others would be something that interests me as well. I think the web start up scene is something that appeals to me greatly; the idea of working (very) hard on a product and to an extent a company in perhaps more than one role from early on and being heavily involved with a smallish team is the exact sort of thing I could see myself thriving in. I'm hoping someone can advise what my best course of action would be to try to make a move in that general direction.
I am still tossing a few ideas in my mind over what might be the best thing for me to do at the moment between:
- Dropping out of uni and restarting on a Computer Science course (although this would require me to start A-Levels again to be accepted to a 'good' university but it is something I would be willing to do if it is worthwhile)
- Starting a BSc Computer Science course after I've completed my current degree (same issue with A-Levels)
- Starting a MSc Computer Science conversion type course (perhaps even an advanced course after discussing with one admissions tutor) after my current degree. The issue with my undergraduate degree not being related at all to the field is a worry and I would be concerned over how much I would actually learn in the year coming from a non-computer science background with little recent programming experience. Another issue would be that of my A-Levels which could put off a potential employer despite me having a masters and would exclude me from the normal graduate scheme route.
- An option which I think people may suggest is to learn skills in my own time and work on a project, while this is a good idea it can be difficult to effectively learn and work on something when there isn't really a defined project/scope. I'd also worry about not having the fundamental CS type knowledge that would come from a degree and a lot of the development jobs in the areas that I've looked at specify a requirement of a BSc in Computer Science/Computing or even Maths or Physics. How this would work in practice is something I wouldn't be sure of, I'm in my final year of uni so do I finish, take on a possible QS job offer I have and then do this in my spare time then at 'some' point in the future apply to entry level positions? It doesn't seem like a viable option in practice.
Thanks again for reading, I am feeling a lot more relieved since my first post as I feel I have some sort of direction, it is now just a case of taking the next step in the right direction which I am hoping someone here could offer any advice on.
Edit: Forgot another option I was considering which is while I'm studying my current degree try and contact a localish company (I'm in the North West) that works in the sort of area I'm interested in and offer to work for free one or two days a week (depending on uni timetable) doing general 'helper out' type work. I'm not sure anyone would bite given my current degree but if it was possible it could be the foot in the door I need to make the move and possibly gain some invaluable experience.
Edited by Shmax on Wednesday 19th September 20:38
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