The rise of the non-cognate graduate now entering the QS and project management professions stems partially from a weakness that is inherent in both, one that is holding back companies from attracting the right amount and type of skills to the industry.

The problem is this - who amongst the general public, barring those who have family connections, really knows what a QS or PM does? It's a massive stumbling block to selling what working in the industry on the consultancy side can offer an individual. The clichés fall into two camps - either it's a number crunching bore or it's a foul-mouthed oaf trudging around a muddy site. Not much of a sell to an A-level student sizing up a university course or a future career.

The point is underlined by those non-cognate graduates we spoke to studying at London South Bank University (see page 11). Amongst the students, who come from a hotch-potch of different education backgrounds, there is an architect who realised he was more cost orientated than turned on by design.

How many of the surfeit of architects, or those school-leavers who flock to arts related courses, may actually be much more suited to a career that offers a unique mix of management, communication, commercial and financial skills?

If you needed any more convincing then Matt Elmes describes the plight of the profession very well (see page 17). Trying to describe to a friend in a pub what a QS does takes him 10 minutes - "and by then I think the guy had fallen asleep. If I would have said architect there wouldn't have nee a problem," he adds. Elmes calls for more action from the RICS to sell the profession to the general public. What is sorely needed is clear communication to highlight the opportunities and potential for youngsters in a career in construction consultancy.

Source

QS News