Caitlan
Simmons

Why NTU…

What inspired you to study your subject?

I wanted a career which offered career development, security, wasn’t the same every day and something I would enjoy doing. Furthermore, I’ve always had an interest in maths to which I wanted to use practically.
These factors highlighted the Construction Industry and the career of a Quantity Surveyor. This career offered more than the factors above and was the right fit for me.

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

I was recommended NTU by friends and family who have previously studied here. From my own research, NTU was the place for me because it offered exciting experiences through the course and beyond as well as a supportive atmosphere enabling true development.

I chose my course because it offered a variety of modules which were not only relevant but explored all aspects of the career which I would be going into, thus creating a highly employable graduate which is definitely reflected in the course’s high employability rate.

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

Looking back on my 3 years on the course, I have really enjoyed it and wish it didn’t have to end. There has been so many highlights which has added so much enjoyment to the course but one which stands out was going on site visits and connecting what was taught in the classroom to what is done on the construction sites.
It reassures me that I am on the right career path.

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

I was involved in the ‘Week in the Life of a QS’ during the start of my third year and involved working alongside VolkerFitzpatrick and one of their current projects for the week. It was a real insight into the role of a Quantity Surveyor as well as their everyday duties which helped massively during my final year of studies.

Support...

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

The support available has been extremely valuable to me and everyone on my course. It has pushed us to our true potential and reinforced that we can do this. But most importantly it has made us feel heard.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

Yes, our course made the extra effort to involve everyone in social activities and events at the start and during the course. It helped us to meet new people, make friends, and settle into life at NTU.

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

I will be starting a graduate job as a Graduate Quantity Surveyor for a company in Nottingham which will aid me in developing further into my career.

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

NTU has organised many career fairs, giving us the opportunity to explore our future careers and employers whether that is for placements or graduate jobs. Helping us set and achieve our career goals.

The Employability Team also provide continuous support not only throughout our time at NTU but after we have graduated too. They are there to help us achieve our goals within our career whether that’s through advice or extra support whenever we need it.

Advice...

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

Experience within the Construction Industry isn’t essential in the first few stages of the course, they will teach you what you need.

The tutors and lecturers are there to help you, always ask the questions even if they seem silly.

Even though the course requires hard work for academic growth, the course ensures you make time for personal growth i.e., go out to social events, especially the ones created by the course team to meet your course mates because they will become lifelong friends.