Why become a surveyor?
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Surveyors play a key role in developing new high-tech, sustainable cities, tackling climate change and solving global issues like urbanisation, migration and resource scarcity.
This makes their skills very attractive to employers and opens up global career opportunities...
Shape the world around you
Transform our cities and landscapes and improve how people work and travel, where they live, and how they build safer, healthier, happier communities.
As a surveyor, you can play a central role in shaping the world around us and gain the satisfaction of seeing your projects improve our built and natural environments: from greener transport systems to urban regeneration projects, like the London Olympic Park – which transformed East London by creating thousands of homes and local jobs.
Welcome to the world of surveying
This video takes you through the answers to some of the most common questions about what surveying is, what it means to be a surveyor and how to get into the profession.
Did you know? Surveyors are involved throughout the lifecycle of buildings and construction projects: from buying the land, to planning and monitoring the construction, and managing the finished building – and they are even involved in a building's final demolition decades later.
“It’s the second 12 months of my APC journey and it’s been so exciting working as an apprentice surveyor! Working on Hinkley Point C – Europe’s largest construction project - as a degree apprentice brings both practical experience in surveying and builds my professional confidence. I look forward to sitting my End Point Assessment to become a chartered surveyor (MRICS).”
Latifah Salawu, Quantity surveying apprentice
Faithful+Gould
Experience a world of variety
Surveying is a truly varied career mixing office-based work, innovative technologies and the chance to work on major projects with real social value.
From planning skyscrapers and sports stadiums to creating film sets and festival sites, surveyors work on a huge variety of projects and with all sorts of people – architects, property developers, safety experts, asset managers… No two days are the same in the world of surveying.
And it’s a truly global career: with projects, skills and clients spanning the world it offers great opportunities for international travel. All this makes surveying a hugely varied, fun and collaborative profession.
Did you know? The project to build Tottenham Hotspurs' new, 62,000-seat stadium was run by a surveyor.
“Specialising in retail and leisure means working with a mixture of occupiers, from local independents to high-end luxury brands. I would definitely recommend a career in surveying. It’s an exciting mix of commercial activity and social interaction, in and out of the office. One day I’m delivering a client’s valuation figures, the next I’ll be at a football ground.”
Sahar Rezazedeh
Senior Commercial Surveyor and Real Estate Management graduate
Build a valued and well-paid career
Surveying skills are increasingly in demand around the world, so you can grow your career, develop specialisms and explore global opportunities.
With skills ranging from 3D-modelling, data analytics and drone flying to interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork and project management, a career in surveying equips you with highly valuable, futureproofed skills.
Because of this surveyors around the world are rewarded with excellent pay, benefits and career opportunities.
Did you know? The average UK salary for a chartered surveyor is £60,000.
Discover more about surveying
I’m lead consultant on a project in Amsterdam for an Australian client: so, I’m liaising across time zones. I like getting out into the world. I find it fascinating to see how other countries approach construction and to expand my knowledge.
Surprisingly good: the social impact of surveying
Around the world, surveyors are involved in projects and schemes that are helping to improve community living, protect the environment and even fight crime...
Sustainability and the environment
Innovative new construction methods are being used – from bamboo housing to 3D-printed buildings – while surveyors are also protecting coral reefs and even rewilding areas of countryside with wolves, beavers and other long-departed species.
“I hope to encourage more women to study and build careers in surveying. It’s extremely fulfilling, with exciting projects and endless opportunities at your fingertips.”
Louise Verney
Quantity surveying apprentice, Balfour Beatty
Fair land rights
In Africa and other parts of the developing world many people live on land without secure property rights – land surveyors are helping to establish formal rights for vulnerable families.
Fighting money laundering
Research by the International Monetary Fund estimates global money laundering at up to $2tn a year – real estate surveyors are helping to clamp down on illegal property purchases and the flow of criminal money.
Improving health through fitter cities
"Active" transport systems are being developed around the world to encourage running, walking and cycling: reducing pollution, protecting the environment and improving public health.
In Auckland, New Zealand, the bright pink Te Ara I Whiti cycleway replaced a major freeway and connects with a network of dedicated cycle routes. And each Sunday in the Colombian capital, Bogota, 60 miles of roads are closed to motor vehicles, clearing the streets for up to two million cyclists.