Quantity surveying (QS) is one of the most sought after skills in the construction industry. It's a career which is easy to pick up yet hard to master - like many other professions. The value offered by the quantity surveyor is in cost management. Construction projects can quickly scale up in cost depending on the material and labour costs involved. The role of the quantity surveyor requires a balance of skills between negotiation, project management, documentation and procurement. It takes a lot of patience to work with project managers and suppliers. As the go to person for the procurement of materials, he must be knowledgeable about the value and availability of construction materials in the market, be able to negotiate and maintain working ties with suppliers. He must be able to read and understand construction drawings and the cost implications. The learning curve is steep as it often depends on the nature of the project. Therefore it is recommended better to start a QS career with a small company at first before tackling larger projects. During your job interview, It is advisable to ask for a mentor and to meet the people you will be working with.