In line with the commitment of the Department of Building Economics to bridge academic knowledge with industry readiness, three insightful guest lectures were recently conducted for Level 4 Quantity Surveying undergraduates of the department. These sessions aimed to prepare the final-year students to confidently transition into the professional world, particularly within the competitive construction industry.
The first guest lecture, held on the 11th of March 2025, was on the topic “Quantity Surveying Career Progression in the UAE Construction Industry”. Delivered by Quantity Surveyor Mr. Chamara Manikkarachchi, the session shed light on professional pathways available to Sri Lankan graduates in the Middle East, especially in the UAE. Mr. Manikkarachchi shared valuable insights into initiating a career abroad, navigating cultural and professional environments, and the expectations for early-career quantity surveyors.
Following this, on the 20th of March 2025, a second guest lecture titled “Embracing Change Management in the UAE’s Construction Industry”, was conducted by Quantity Surveyor Mr. Rajitha Jayapadma. The lecture emphasized the importance of adaptability in today’s fast-evolving construction sector. Mr. Jayapadma discussed practical approaches to managing change in dynamic project environments, helping students understand how to respond to industry shifts with confidence and resilience.
The third and final guest lecture was held on the 6th of April 2025, addressing the highly practical topic “Potential Interview Questions for a Post of Quantity Surveyor”. Conducted by Ch.QS Mr. Suchira Rathnayake, this session offered students insights into common interview questions, how to communicate their competencies effectively, and identify key areas to focus on when preparing for professional interviews.
Overall, these three guest lectures provided invaluable guidance to the Level 4 students as they approach the completion of their degree program. The shared experiences and industry perspectives of the guest speakers equipped students with both technical and soft skills essential for career success. Importantly, they helped final-year students confidently prepare for the transition from academia to professional practice, empowering them to embrace their future roles as competent and dynamic quantity surveyors in the construction industry.
