Quantity Surveyor

As a quantity surveyor, you are in charge of the money side of building projects. You work with architects, builders, and clients from the start of a project to the end. You work out what everything will cost - the materials, the workers, the equipment - then track the spending as the project goes on. If costs go over budget, you find out why and help get them back on track.

Your day involves working out cost estimates, looking at prices from different suppliers, and checking that the work on site matches what was planned and paid for. You also help negotiate contracts with builders and suppliers, and do site visits to see the work being done. You need to be good at maths and problem-solving, and able to explain numbers clearly to people who may not be used to budgets and contracts.