Construction, civil engineering and QS

Construction offers a range of career opportunities for graduates in architecture and design, building services, civil engineering, construction management, construction economics/surveying and facilities management. You may choose to develop your career in areas such as residential, commercial and industrial contracting; or public sector and civil engineering projects. Whatever the fluctuations in the construction industry, the demand for highly skilled graduates remains.

Opportunities for graduates

Ireland is experiencing a slow-down in the residential and commercial sectors, but ongoing projects include a number in the Republic’s Public Capital Programme (PCP). Dilapidations projects – assessing wear and tear on vacated premises – and the requirement for buildings to meet a minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) will provide increasing employment opportunities, north and south.

Other growth areas include environmental engineering; sustainable green energy technologies harnessing wind and wave power; and off-site pre-engineered building.

A construction-related qualification also makes you very marketable overseas. London will offer significant career opportunities leading up to the Olympics in 2012. In addition there are significant opportunities abroad in sector areas such as tunnelling, geo-technical, highway construction and marine.

Working life

Working hours can be long and demand great flexibility; often your time is split between office and site. Be prepared to experience all weather conditions. If you are ambitious and skilled, the financial rewards and opportunities for career progression can be great.

• Construction, civil engineering and quantity surveying FAQs: everything you need to know about getting a job in construction, civil engineering and quantity surveying