Land a graduate construction job without a construction degree
It’s time to explode a myth: you don’t necessarily need a construction degree to forge a successful career in the industry. There are many crucial skills that a non-cognate – someone with a non-construction related degree – can bring to the table.
In a non-cognate new recruit, Bethan Wigg, graduate and trainee development adviser at Morgan Ashurst, looks for ‘the ability to adapt to new situations, the desire to achieve, and a passion for the construction industry even though their degree isn’t in that discipline.’ So, if you tick those boxes, what careers are on offer?
The key is to demonstrate your passion for construction to employers.
Any degree OK for construction jobs
If facilities management jobs appeal – ensuring that a completed building runs smoothly – graduates from any discipline are considered. The same goes for project management careers and graduate project planning roles, although you may find a technical background beneficial. The key is to demonstrate your passion for construction to employers: ‘Gain work experience in the field,’ advises Bethan, ‘and during the recruitment process read up on the industry in general and the company you’re applying to in particular.’
Convert your studies to construction
As far as construction management vacancies go, if you don’t have a construction degree, many companies will employ you and put you through the necessary postgraduate conversion course while you work. You’ll need an appropriate engineering degree to get a job in building services engineering. There are conversion courses available to those with a technical background, but it’s worth checking which employers accept this qualification. Whichever postgraduate route you decide to take, be sure that the course you choose is accredited by an appropriate professional body.
Go for it!
‘Construction is a dynamic industry packed with innovation,’ says Bethan. ‘It’s a rewarding industry to work in and has a range of careers to suit all candidates.’ So, if you don’t have the right degree, don’t worry – there’s a huge choice of construction roles that don’t require built environment degrees, and postgraduate conversion courses available for those that do.
