<p>Surveying isn't a one-size-fits-all career, and with each role there are different skills that are needed to succeed within it. We take a look at some of the most popular roles in the surveying career to see which skills you need for different ones.</p>
<h3>Surveying.</h3>
<p>Surveyors are generally employed within a variety of types of land, construction, property and engineering projects, and the roles vary from jobs that are largely office based to ones that require regular site visits, or even working on site alongside other construction employees for long periods of time.</p>
<p>Surveyors are the individuals that measure, evaluate and help to protect pretty much all the buildings around us; some surveyors work largely with plans and in the pre-development stages, whilst others are more involved during and after the construction process.</p>
<p>So what does a surveyor actually do all day? Well, that will clearly differ by the type of role, but for example a building surveyor working in construction is likely to spend his or her day preparing overview reports on the state of existing buildings that need refurbishment – what exactly needs doing? Does the building need underpinning, or reinforced ceilings? Working with construction teams to manage the design and delivery of the finished product might also be required.</p>
<h3>Building control surveyors.</h3>
<p>A building control surveyor will perform a similar role, but often with more developed sites, making sure building regulations and other legislation are followed throughout the construction cycle. Often this type of surveyor will be called in if it appears something has not gone to plan, and will need to employ both technical and problem-solving skills to find a viable, economic solution.</p>
<h3>Non-graduate surveyors.</h3>
<p>Non-graduates can enter into the surveying industry and work their way up, gaining qualifications on the way, though a related degree and some relevant experience will give candidates a great chance of success. At all entry points and for all types of surveying role, employers will require candidates to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills</li>
<li>Be able to present their ideas and findings clearly through written reports and presentations</li>
<li>Work well within a team environment, and be able to build good, sustainable relationships both with clients and work colleagues</li>
<li>Possess the technical competence to do the job, demonstrated either by relevant qualifications or past experience, with the ability to practically and logically solve problems</li>
<li>Be capable of taking on a high level of responsibility, and take constructive feedback where necessary</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to become a surveyor?</h3>
<p>The most common route into surveying is to complete a degree accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and then undertake the relevant training and work experience to become an accredited surveyor. Without a relevant degree, entry can be gained at HND level to a surveying technician role or through apprenticeships for those aged 16-24, though more qualifications will need to be undertaken if employees wish to progress to becoming a Chartered Surveyor.</p>
<p>A full driving licence is normally a perquisite as surveyors tend to spend a lot of their day out and about at potential sites, and good IT skills are usually required too, as much of a surveyor’s work will be carried out using software design programs.</p>