CPD Corner

Trend setters

When I first set out to become a construction estimator, I had no idea what a quantity surveyor was. Looking back now, I am thankful for the mentoring and time offered by the CIQS members that spent the time to invite an aspiring student into their ranks. At the time, while I was taking courses at the local college, we were offered a chance to meet some of the CIQS members at a meet and greet event. For some, it was just a night out to meet some construction professionals and enjoy some free food, for others, it was an opportunity to learn more about the institute. I was also invited to the CIQS Maritimes Christmas Dinner and was once again given an opportunity to learn more about the association. So when I graduated and was looking for a job, my eyes were opened to the opportunity of working for a QS firm.

Now I volunteer my time on the CIQS Maritimes Council and our association is in need of new associate members to expand our ranks. The issue of increasing our numbers is not just limited to one association but to the entire membership. Through marketing and advertisement, the CIQS strives to increase our exposure in the industry but more effort will be needed. Our members are our biggest asset in leading the way for future growth. Other professional groups are always opening their doors to local colleges and universities to provide awareness and seek out potential members. Architect and Engineering firms have the advantage of inspiring their employees to seek out professional societies as part of their growing portfolio. Construction companies similar to Architects and Engineers have their own list of preferred professional organizations that project managers and estimators seek out. In both cases they do not always target the CIQS as a top priority. No doubt the QS firms in Canada inspire their employees to seek membership into the CIQS as a prerequisite to their professional portfolios.

So how do we engage future members? For those companies with PQS members in their ranks, it is important to utilize this inside resource to find and mentor new recruits. Even in my own current employment several co-workers have asked for guidance to learn more about the association and how to best proceed with submitting their applications. These are great examples of how we find ourselves in the role of mentors. Please do not stop there. Introduce new and potential members to the association by actively participating in AGM and open house events. Take the time to become an active player in the association throughout the life of your career to add your experiences to the growth of our community. Another, and growing, trend is social media and currently our association has profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. This provides us with a tool to expand our membership to remote areas nationally and internationally. Through social media we can offer professional working advice or fun anecdotes to the membership as a community and not feel limited by where we live. If you find yourself unable to make it to local association events but are an avid user of social media and would like to participate and grow our online presence please seek us out.

David Dooks, PQS