Australia QS/estimator market – how hard is it to get a first local role with overseas experience?
Hi all, just looking for some advice from people in the industry. I’m currently in Melbourne with around 5 years overseas consultant-side estimator experience and AIQS membership, but no Australian local experience.
I’ve been looking through Seek and noticed a lot of jobs ask for local experience, while some others are more junior roles with lower pay than expected. Not really sure what the best approach is for getting that first role in Australia.
For people working in the Australian construction industry:
- How important is local experience when hiring estimators/QSs?
- Would 5 years overseas consultant experience still be considered valuable?
- Is it better to stay on the consultant side for the first job since that’s my background? Or would contractor-side roles be easier to get into first?
I’m also living in the outer east of Melbourne, and most consultant firms seem to be around the CBD, so the commute is another thing I’m considering.
Would appreciate hearing about other people’s experiences or advice. Thanks!