Career opportunities in the field of civil engineering and quantity surveying

Construction management involves overseeing building projects from inception to completion. Professionals in this field play crucial roles at different stages, including planning designs, setting budgets, and supervising construction teams.

These roles are generally leadership positions requiring specialised training and experience.

The tremendous growth experienced in the Dubai construction industry has been mirrored by the development and expansion of various sectors, including real estate, infrastructure and commercial projects.

Here are some quick facts highlighting the career growth opportunities in construction management:

• According to recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for construction managers is projected to grow by 9% from 2022 to 2032, resulting in approximately 45,800 new job openings each year.
  
  
• The US currently employs over 23,012 construction engineers.
  
  
• About 45,800 openings for construction managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
  
  
• The UAE market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2024 to 2030.
  
  
• In terms of revenue, UAE accounted for 4.2% of the global civil engineering market in 2023.

These statistics highlight the promising landscape for those considering a career in construction management, especially with an HND qualification.

A civil engineer assists in the construction and infrastructure building, including bridges, roads, and other form of buildings. By building the infrastructure and networks required to enable transportation, they assist in moving people, goods, water, and electricity from one location to another.

Civil Engineer

• Roles and responsibilities: Civil engineers design, analyse, and manage construction projects. They ensure that structures are safe and efficient.
  
  
• Required skills: Key skills include technical proficiency in engineering principles, project management capabilities, and strong communication skills.

As per the U.S Bureau of Labour Statistics, a civil engineer is paid $46.10 per hour (2023 median pay).

Site Engineer

Site engineers play a crucial role in the construction industry, serving as the bridge between technical design and practical implementation on construction sites. Their responsibilities include a wide range of tasks aimed at ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and in compliance with all relevant regulations.

• Roles and responsibilities: Site engineers supervise construction activities, ensuring compliance with plans and regulations.
  
  
• Required skills: Proficiency in blueprints, construction techniques, and structural engineering. Moreover, problem-solving abilities and leadership skills are essential for addressing challenges on-site effectively.

It takes a lifetime of technical expertise, real-world experience, and professional growth to become a successful site engineer. By constantly improving your skills and staying up to date on industry advancements, you may thrive in the construction business in Dubai.

A great site engineer needs to possess a variety of skills, qualifications, and personal qualities.

Project Manager

From the first design to the finished product, a construction project manager oversees every phase of a building project. Among their responsibilities are overseeing progress, managing a project budget, and working with clients to establish project deadlines.

They might also create estimates for every aspect of a project, such as the expenses of land and marketing.

• Roles and responsibilities: Project managers coordinate all aspects of civil engineering projects, from initial planning to execution.
  
  
• Required skills: Effective planning, budgeting expertise, and team coordination are vital for success in this role.

A construction project manager is responsible for estimating and negotiating project costs, formulating the construction budget, managing scheduling and work timetables and determining which project management methods and strategies are appropriate for the project.

There are various career opportunities in the quantity surveying field. Some of these include:

Quantity Surveyor

A quantity surveyor is the financial backbone of any building project. You will gain expertise in accurately estimating building costs from inception to completion while making sure every project satisfies all quality and legal criteria.

• Role and responsibilities: Quantity surveyors are responsible for cost estimation, budgeting, and financial management throughout a project’s lifecycle.
  
  
• Required skills: Analytical skills, strong maths, numerical and data analysis skills attention to detail, and negotiation abilities are important for effective cost management.

You will be involved from the beginning as a quantity surveyor, advising the client and contractors on initial cost analysis. You will keep an eye on continuing costs, find possible client-saving opportunities, and generate progress reports on a regular basis.

Cost Estimator

The process of determining the total expenditures for a new building project, including direct and indirect costs, is known as cost estimation in the construction industry. They are used by contractors to determine whether or not to submit a bid for a project.

• Role and responsibilities: Cost estimators prepare detailed cost estimates for projects based on various factors.
  
  
• Required skills: Analytical and numerical proficiency is a must for a cost estimator profile. Accuracy and market knowledge are also crucial for providing reliable estimates.

The financial success of a project can be determined by how accurate the cost estimate is. As a result, cost estimators should pay close attention to details.

Procurement Manager

Procurement managers make important purchasing decisions that support businesses in achieving their goals. From office supplies and furniture to consulting services and advertising campaigns, all purchase decisions are taken by procurement managers.

• Role and responsibilities: Procurement managers source materials and manage vendor relationships to ensure project needs are met.
  
  
• Required skills: Strategic thinking, market understanding and negotiation skills are necessary for successful procurement processes.

There are multiple opportunities to explore in related fields such as commercial management and real estate development. These paths allow for the application of core skills while expanding into new areas of expertise and responsibility.

The HND in Construction Management offered by GBS Dubai equips students with essential industry knowledge. This programme prepares students for various roles within civil engineering and quantity surveying.

With hands-on learning experiences led by industry experts, students gain practical skills that enhance their employability. Additionally, the curriculum is designed to cover crucial topics such as project management, Sustainable Methods of Construction, and construction technology, ensuring that students are well-versed in the key aspects of the construction industry.

The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience through internship makes them attractive candidates for employers in the construction sector.

An HND in Construction Management opens doors to rewarding careers in civil engineering and quantity surveying. With growing industry demand and diverse career paths available, individuals with this qualification can look forward to a bright future in the construction sector.

Whether you choose to become a civil engineer or a quantity surveyor, your journey will be filled with opportunities in construction industry and beyond.

Ready to Build Your Future in Construction Management?

“Contact GBS Dubai today”