The built-environment sector is a well-regulated industry. Companies need to know their team have the skills and expertise required to get the job done, and that means hiring professionals with the right credentials.
If you’re looking to progress quickly in surveying, gaining a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited degree should be high on your list of steps to take.
Below, we’ve outlined five ways that having one could transform your career.
1) It will help you fast track towards chartered status
Why become a chartered surveyor? Being chartered demonstrates to colleagues and clients that you work to the highest industry standards. To become chartered in the UK, you must complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). And, if you’re new to surveying or have less than 5 years’ experience within it, having a RICS accredited degree really can fast track your journey towards the completion of the APC and chartered status:
- Without a non-RICS accredited degree, you need at least 5 years’ relevant experience (12 months post degree) before having a preliminary review to determine if you can undertake the final APC assessment stage.
- In contrast, having a RICS accredited degree, you can undertake just 24 months of structured workplace training before applying to take your final APC assessment.
2) It will help you to earn a higher salary
On average, RICS qualified professionals earn more than their unqualified peers. The 2018 RICS UK Rewards and Attitudes Survey revealed those with a RICS qualification earn a base salary that is 21% higher than their counterparts.
The difference in salary reflects the fact that those with RICS qualifications are considered to be more highly skilled than those without; accreditation demonstrates they have the professional expertise, knowledge and skills needed to do a great job on every project.
3) It will mean you hold an internationally recognised qualification
Surveyors are much needed professionals across the globe. For example, Building Surveying is listed as some of the UK’s most in-demand skills in the Hays Global Skills Index (2018), and they continue to be sought after on emigration visas for countries like Australia. If you ever want to live and work abroad, Surveying is a fantastic career choice.
And that’s where having a RICS accredited degree is extra helpful. The Institution is active in hundreds of countries - throughout North America, South East Asia, the Middle East, South Africa and mainland Europe - and their standards and qualifications are recognised worldwide. Having a degree that is approved by them will help open doors to global career opportunities.
4) It will prove you have in demand skills
Whilst our need for housing and infrastructure grows, fewer surveyors have recently, and are still, entering the profession and the wider business and industry sector. The demand for qualified and skilled surveyors is extremely high. One of the main benefits of having an RICS accredited degree is that it looks good on your CV, showing you have the knowledge needed to fill this skills gap.
All RICS approved degrees have to comply with stringent Professional Standards, which outline the competencies, skills and technical expertise required to become an RICS member. Because the Institution demands excellence, RICS qualifications are seen as the ‘gold standard’ across the industry. In fact, these days, many recruiters and employers demand RICS accreditation.
5) It will help you to increase your professional network
With a RICS degree, you’ll be able to join the body as a graduate member, right after finishing your studies. As a member, you’ll be able to make use of their global platforms and events including:
- RICS Matrics - this network offers support and opportunities for trainees, students and newly qualified professionals. It’s a great way for new surveyors to get connected with other like-minded surveying professionals at the start of your career.
- RICS LinkedIn Group - this private group welcomes all RICS members and provides a platform to connect and collaborate with the profession at large. You can find or post jobs in the group, as well as start surveying-related discussions and even get help and guidance on matters relating to your projects and work in general.
- RICS Recruit Live - the Institution’s only careers fair. Find jobs, learn more about the profession and discover new ways to advance your career alongside other RICS members.
Become a Chartered Surveyor with Northumbria University
Find out more about the RICS accredited Surveying courses we offer below:
Postgraduate (conversion) degrees
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