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If the idea of seeing buildings take shape makes your heart beat faster and you have some mathematical skills, then perhaps you could consider a career in quantity surveying.

The quantity surveyor is the cost and financial specialist of the construction industry. If you desire a career in this field, however, you will also need a fair bit of optimism, as the construction sector is currently suffering from a downturn in activity related to the international economic recession.

According to John Bloomfield, Fellow of the Jamaica Institute of Quantity Surveyors (JIQS), "Up to three months ago there was more than enough work for the 48 listed member of the JIQS. However, numerous projects involving the construction of new factories, hotels, shops and other commercial projects have been put on hold."

According to Bloomfield, when things recover, there should be a healthy revival of demand for this professional.

In addition to the 48 members of the JIQS, there are about ten quantity surveyors who are not members and another ten students waiting to complete certification and gain membership.

The work of quantity surveying involves the measurement of building and civil engineering works, bid documentation, construction cost planning and economics and estimating cost of construction contracts.

This career will also require that you develop research skills, professional ethics and specific as well as general knowledge related to the built environment and the quantity surveying profession.

The qualifying programme offered at the University of Technology (UTECH) includes courses on the built environment, construction technology, civil engineering technology, quantitative methods and research methodology.

The work involved in the profession is comprehensive and varied, depending particular assignments, but would mainly comprise the following:

. Estimating the cost of and assisting with determining the feasibility of projects
. Preparing documents for competitive tendering
. Tendering and negotiating for contracts
. Managing and exercising financial control
over contracts to ensure cash-flow and the profitability of
projects
. Controlling and managing subcontractors and suppliers
. Concluding contracts upon completion of projects

The quantity surveyor (QS) must be a person who enjoys managing and controlling the cost of small to large projects as well as people at various professional levels. He or she must also be able to adapt to the diverse nature of the profession and client's business.

Once qualified as a QS, you will enjoy a varied employment situation, as well as a balance between working in office and on site, and appreciate the differences in both environments.

Good human relations and the ability to think logically and report on situations in an orderly manner are important skills you will need.

Entry requirements for the degree at UTECH include five subjects inclusive of English language and mathematics and three (3) others from among the following: chemistry, physics, additional mathematics, geography, information technology, principles of business, economics, technical drawing, principles of accounts, pure and applied mathematics.

You will also need CAPE (level 2) passes or the successful completion of the UTECH one-year pre-requisite course of study with a minimum grade point average of 2.3.

Alternative entry paths for the UTECH programme include any other related programmes and qualifications obtained at a recognised educational institution. Applicants accepted via this route are required to submit academic transcripts and to document evidence of relevant work experience. Certified copies of the course curricula studied are also required.

Information sourced from the University of Technology