Welcome to RICS at the What Next? Career Fair - NEC Birmingham
-
Email
-
Facebook
-
Linkedin
-
Twitter
-
Whatsapp
Your future in surveying could start today.
Discover a Career That Shapes the World Around Us
Surveyors play a vital role in how buildings, cities and communities are planned, built, valued and maintained.
Whether you’re choosing your next subjects, exploring university or apprenticeship options, or just starting to think about careers, RICS is here to help you understand what surveying is all about — and how to get there.
This page brings together trusted resources to help you:
- Learn what surveyors do
- Explore different surveying career paths
- Find RICS-accredited courses
- Try virtual work experience and career tools
What Is a surveyor?
A surveyor is a professional who gives expert advice on land, property, construction and the built environment.
Surveyors combine technical knowledge with problem-solving skills and real-world impact. They work across every stage of the built and natural environment — from planning and sustainability to valuation, construction and infrastructure.
Why Choose Surveying?
A career with real-world impact
Strong earning potential and progression
Opportunities to work in offices, on site, or outdoors
Roles available across the UK and globally
A profession at the heart of sustainability and climate action
Types of Surveying Careers
Surveying is a broad profession with many different pathways, including:
🏠 Building Surveyor
- Inspect and assess buildings
- Advise on repairs, maintenance and refurbishment
- Work on homes, offices and historic buildings
💷 Quantity Surveyor
- Manage costs and budgets for construction projects
- Ensure projects are delivered value-for-money
- Work closely with clients, contractors and designers
📍 Land & Geomatics Surveyor
- Measure and map land using advanced technology
- Support construction, infrastructure and development projects
- Combine outdoor work with digital tools
🌱 Environmental & Sustainability Surveyor
- Help reduce the environmental impact of buildings
- Advise on energy efficiency and sustainable development
- Support climate-focused decision-making
🏢 Commercial & Residential Property Surveyor
- Value property and advise on buying, selling and investing
- Work across residential or commercial markets
- Combine market insight with technical expertise
How Do You Become a Surveyor?
There’s no single route — and that’s the good news.
Most surveyors start with an RICS-accredited course, followed by structured training and professional assessment.
🔗 Find an RICS-Accredited Course
Search for:
- University degrees
- Apprenticeships
- Flexible and alternative routes
👉 Visit: ricscourses.org
Try Virtual Work Experience
Not sure if surveying is right for you? Try it out first.
🔗 Springpod – Virtual Work Experience
Springpod offers free online work experience programmes created with employers and professionals.
- Learn what surveyors do day-to-day
- Build employability skills
- Gain certificates you can add to your CV
👉 Explore surveying programmes on Springpod
Career & Subject Planning Tools
🔗 Unifrog
Unifrog helps students:
- Explore careers and pathways
- Compare university courses
- Understand apprenticeships and future options
Why RICS?
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the global professional body for surveyors.
We:
- Set professional and ethical standards
- Support students and early-career professionals
- Connect surveyors to opportunities worldwide
Choosing surveying means joining a respected, future-focused global profession.
RICS Student Membership
If you’re studying — or thinking about studying — a surveying-related subject, RICS Student Membership is a free way to start connecting with the profession.
Why become a RICS Student Member?
- Free membership for students
- Access to trusted careers information and guidance
- Insight into different surveying pathways and specialisms
- Opportunities to hear from professionals and employers
- Support as you move from education into your career
Student membership helps you understand the profession, build confidence, and make informed choices about your next steps — whether that’s university, an apprenticeship, or another route.
👉 Find out more here: Student membership
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re just curious or already planning your future, exploring surveying now can open doors later.
Discover careers
Explore courses
Try work experience
Your future. Your career. Your impact.
Find out more at the RICS stand today.