What is a graduate job in construction really like?

Largely positive reflections of life as a graduate in the construction industry have emerged from the recent TARGETjobs Construction survey.

Graduate civil engineers, quantity surveyors, building surveyors and project managers gave feedback on questions about job satisfaction and the extent to which university prepared them for working life. The main findings of the survey showed that:

• 58% are happy with their working lifestyle.
• 64% see themselves remaining in the construction industry for the long term.
• Only 4% believe their degree did not give them the skills and knowledge necessary for their jobs – although 63% said ‘partly’.
• Work experience is strongly recommended in order to ensure future success.

Respondents were also impressed by the amount of responsibility they were given and the varied nature of the work. Comments included:

• ‘I have much more responsibility than I imagined I would have at this stage in my career.’
• ‘The role is much more varied than expected.’
• ‘The opportunities given to those who asked for them are second to none.’

Not all views were wholly positive, however. The main reasons for discontent were long hours, pay and travel. Comments on these issues included:

• ‘Good team to work with, but long commutes.’
• ‘Long hours, little time for social life – tired in the evening.’
• ‘The high cost of living is not reflected in the salary.’

The survey also provided an insight into the best ways to secure a job in the construction industry, with responses falling into three main areas:

• Work experience is key: ‘Get as much work experience as possible. My site experience greatly improved my general understanding of the industry and was vital in me securing my ideal job.’
• Prepare, research and plan: ‘Research the company you are applying for and do not send out generic CVs / covering letters. They will normally just get thrown away.’
• Stay open minded and flexible: 'Be open minded in considering various roles and opportunities in the current economic downturn.’

The survey collected the views of 56 anonymous graduates from eight different employers in April 2012.

Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Monday 23rd July 2012