In this Own the Build Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, COO and Co-Founder of C-Link, to tackle two candid listener questions about career progression, mentorship and the realities of building a successful quantity surveying career. 

The first question comes from a construction professional with over 15 years of site experience who is struggling to transition into quantity surveying despite completing an MSc and making hundreds of applications. Paul and Chris explore whether the industry's widely discussed QS shortage really applies to trainees, why site experience is often undervalued, and what practical steps people can take to break into commercial roles.

The second question comes from an experienced Senior QS who moved companies for better pay and progression, only to find themselves without the mentors and support network they previously relied on. The discussion focuses on the importance of mentorship at every stage of your career, taking ownership of your development, and how to approach senior leaders when you need more guidance.

The conversation covers:

•  whether construction genuinely invests in developing new QS talent; 
•  the value of operational and site experience in commercial roles; 
•  why mentorship never stops being important; 
•  how to take control of your own career progression; and 
•  the difficult but necessary conversations that often unlock growth. 

The message throughout is simple:

the best careers are rarely built by waiting for opportunities — they're built by actively creating them.

A thoughtful episode for aspiring QSs, experienced commercial professionals, and anyone looking to take the next step in their career.

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📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:

Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success

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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

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