Graduate Quantity Surveyor Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Scheme
Construction
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: August 2026
Overall Rating
3.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.8/5
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Overview of the Role
3.4/5
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Experience & Company Culture
3/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Balfour Beatty?
Balfour Beatty have provided me with the foundations of my career as a Graduate QS, everyone you work with is understanding and flexible around your needs. There is no greater company I believe you could work for as a graduate, due to the vast opportunities they provide for you, such as their EC programme, Social Events (both internally and externally, I've spent time at schools promoting DEI, and running a half marathon in October, as well as countless other events in the lake district and Manchester). They tick every box in regards to development, wider community engagement, generous renumeration & company car package, as well as feeling pride and valued in your day to day.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
- Subcontract Management
- Change Monitoring & Compensation Events
- Interim Payments
- Contract Forming
- Final Accounts
- Site Visits
- Formal Communication, Asite & CEMAR
- Early Warning Recording
- Change Monitoring & Compensation Events
- Interim Payments
- Contract Forming
- Final Accounts
- Site Visits
- Formal Communication, Asite & CEMAR
- Early Warning Recording
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
- Generally speaking if you ask you will get the opportunity you desire, and you will always find someone who is there to support you across the chains of command.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
Generous Package and Company Car Scheme - only downside is the selection of cars - there is generally speaking only one petrol/hybrid car in a graduate category, and if you do not have a driveway it is not convenient to have an electric car which are the other options.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
3/5
Balfour Beatty in a hollistic view are incredible, it is the smaller SBU where you may get less support in certain areas.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
Depending on the project, you may have more down periods than some, and as such that time is not spent developing compared to someone who has access to large projects such as Major Projects rather than a regional business.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
3/5
Support was great from buddy & line managers vary by each person, but the speaking for the wider business there is good support for chartership as well as any other concerns or interest you may have.
How is your work-life balance?
3/5
personally, hours are 42.5 / week 30 minute lunch break 8:00 - 17:00 + commute and you are looking at a 12 Hour day 4 days / week and WFH on a Friday if you are allowed to WFH or a 60 Hour week if your role requires you to be on site everyday.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
3/5
The atmosphere varies as any workplace, and can be dependent on who you work with, as well as each project.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
4/5
Promoting DEI at schools during an event day.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
Volunteering days can be used to offer your time to environmental, ethical & societal events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Generous Renumeration, Meaningful work, and support in your training and development.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
3/5
I applied for the Reading Grad QS position and a week before I started I was told I was due to work in Portsmouth
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
If you have a standout event or quality - include it in your CV to make yourself memorable, also a jovial, upbeat attitude goes along way.
