Construction & property graduate jobs & schemes 2025

There are a variety of roles across construction, property development, and real estate, including:

• Construction Management – Overseeing building projects, site operations, and contractors.
• Quantity Surveying – Managing project costs, contracts, and budgets.
• Building Surveying – Assessing the condition of buildings and ensuring compliance.
• Structural & Civil Engineering – Designing and overseeing infrastructure and building projects.
• Project Management – Coordinating construction and property development projects.
• Real Estate & Commercial Property – Managing and valuing commercial and residential properties.
• Facilities Management – Overseeing the maintenance and operation of buildings.
• Urban Planning & Development – Managing land use, city planning, and sustainability projects.
  

Many of these careers lead to chartered status with organisations like RICS, CIOB, or ICE.

Many roles require a construction, engineering, or surveying degree , but some companies accept graduates from other disciplines and offer conversion pathways. Key degrees include:

• Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture – Required for site management and technical roles.
• Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Real Estate – Ideal for property and surveying roles.
• Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Science – Useful for development and planning roles.
• Business, Finance, Economics – Relevant for real estate investment and property management.
• If your degree is not accredited by RICS, CIOB, or ICE , you may need a conversion course to work towards professional chartership.

• Project management & organisation – Construction and property roles involve managing multiple stakeholders.
• Numerical & analytical skills – Especially important for surveying and cost management.
• Technical knowledge – Understanding of construction processes, materials, and regulations.
• Communication & negotiation – Dealing with clients, contractors, and legal professionals.
• Problem-solving & adaptability – Essential for dealing with unexpected project challenges.
• IT & software proficiency – Experience with CAD, BIM (Building Information Modelling), GIS, or project management software.

Salaries vary by role and location, but here are some typical ranges:

• Construction Management: £27,000 – £35,000
• Quantity Surveying: £28,000 – £35,000
• Building Surveying: £26,000 – £34,000
• Structural & Civil Engineering: £28,000 – £38,000
• Real Estate & Property Management: £25,000 – £32,000
• Urban Planning & Development: £24,000 – £30,000
• Once chartered (e.g., RICS, CIOB, ICE accreditation), salaries can increase significantly to £45,000 – £70,000+.

Many roles in construction and property require chartered status , which can take 2–3 years:

• RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) – Quantity/Building Surveyors, Real Estate professionals.
• CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) – Construction Managers.
• ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) – Civil and Structural Engineers.
• RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) – Architects.
• RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) – Urban Planners.
  

Many graduate schemes in construction and property support trainees in obtaining these qualifications.

• Quantity surveying, construction management, and engineering roles are in high demand , with many firms struggling to recruit enough graduates.
• Real estate and property roles are more competitive, particularly at top firms like CBRE, JLL, or Knight Frank.
• Urban planning and development roles tend to be smaller in number, but a planning degree can give you an advantage.

To improve your chances:


✔ Gain internships or placements in construction, surveying, or property firms.
✔ Get familiar with construction software (e.g., AutoCAD, BIM, CostX) .
✔ Build knowledge of building regulations, contracts, and sustainability practices .
✔ Network through RICS, CIOB, and industry events .