Graduate Quantity Surveyor Review

So far, my experience as a graduate at Balfour Beatty has been really positive. I’ve had the chance to take on more responsibility and apply what I learned during my placement in a professional setting. The support from my team has been excellent, they’re always willing to guide me while giving me space to develop my own approach. I’ve enjoyed being involved in commercial decision-making and seeing how my work contributes to the success of projects. Overall, it’s been a great environment for learning and building confidence in my career as a Quantity Surveyor

Main Responsibilities:
Preparing and managing cost estimates, budgets, and financial reports.
Handling subcontractor accounts, including payments and variations.
Supporting tender processes and contractual compliance.
Monitoring progress and ensuring accurate cost value reconciliations.
Managing my own subcontractors with support from the team when needed.
Visiting sites to understand project delivery and liaise with site teams.
Elements I Enjoy Most:
Having the responsibility to manage subcontractors, it’s helped me build confidence and develop negotiation and communication skills.
The opportunity to visit various Balfour Beatty sites across the country, which has given me a broader understanding of different projects and approaches.
Being part of commercial decision-making and seeing how my input impacts the success of projects.
Working collaboratively with experienced professionals who are always willing to support and share knowledge.
The variety in the role, every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities.

Overall, my experience at Balfour Beatty was incredibly positive and a turning point for me. I felt part of the team from day one, the support and willingness to share knowledge made a huge difference. I really enjoyed getting involved in live projects, especially seeing how commercial decisions shape outcomes on site. Visiting sites and working alongside experienced professionals gave me confidence and clarity about my career path. That experience confirmed that quantity surveying is the right choice for me and motivated me.

The salary is competitive and there are clear opportunities for increases throughout the graduate scheme, which is reassuring for career progression. There are good options for private healthcare and other benefits available through tax-efficient schemes, which add value beyond the base salary. While a company car is available, it’s very limited for graduates and doesn’t offer the same flexibility as for regular employees, but overall the package reflects my responsibilities and provides room for growth

I feel the role is preparing me very well for my future career. As a graduate, I’m gaining hands-on experience across all key aspects of quantity surveying, from cost planning and tendering to managing budgets and subcontractor accounts. I’m also learning how commercial decisions impact project outcomes, which is invaluable for developing strategic thinking. The support and guidance from my team, combined with opportunities to take on responsibility, are helping me build confidence and practical skills that will be essential as I progress toward chartership and more senior roles.

The support I’ve received has generally been very good. My line manager has been approachable and provides clear guidance, which helps me feel confident in my role. My mentor has offered valuable advice on career development, and was great for settling in and answering day-to-day questions. HR was helpful during onboarding and responsive when I needed information. If anything was missing, it would be more structured check-ins across all areas to ensure consistent feedback and development.

My work-life balance is generally good. The role can be busy at times, especially around key project deadlines, but overall I’m able to manage my workload effectively and maintain time for personal commitments. The flexibility and support from my team make it easier to balance both aspects

The organisational culture at Balfour Beatty is collaborative and supportive. There’s a clear emphasis on safety, integrity, and delivering quality, which aligns with the company’s core values. The atmosphere is positive and inclusive, people are approachable and willing to share knowledge, which makes it easy to learn and grow. I’ve found that there’s a genuine focus on development, with opportunities to take on responsibility while still having guidance when needed. Overall, it feels like a team environment where everyone works towards common goals and values each other’s contributions.

I would rate Balfour Beatty’s initiatives on equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility positively. The company promotes an inclusive culture and provides resources such as training and awareness programs, which help create a respectful and supportive environment. There is clear communication about EDI policies, and I’ve seen efforts to ensure equal opportunities across the business. While there is always room for continuous improvement, the initiatives in place demonstrate a strong commitment to these values.

Yes

It’s a company that offers great opportunities for learning and career development. The graduate scheme provides real responsibility from the start, with plenty of support from managers and mentors. The culture is collaborative and inclusive, and there’s a clear focus on safety, sustainability, and making a positive impact through initiatives like volunteering days. Overall, it’s a great environment to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful projects.

The role has exceeded my expectations, especially considering I didn’t really know what to expect coming straight out of university. I’ve had the chance to take on real responsibility, like managing my own subcontractors, and I’ve received great support from both my line manager and mentor throughout. Their guidance has helped me build confidence and develop skills quickly, and the opportunities for site visits and involvement in commercial decisions have gone beyond what I imagined during the recruitment process.