Coming from a fascination for real world change, Serjie found himself fancying a career in Quantity Surveying where he can blend maths, problem solving and business. Read on to hear more about Serjie’s journey to choosing Salford, and what he wants to do in the Quantity Surveying field.
Why did you choose to study at Salford?
I chose to Study at Salford because their Quantity Surveying course is triple-accredited by the Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) – a massive green light for anyone serious about a career in this field. The University also sits in one of the UK’s fastest growing construction hotspots and has industry connections that perfectly match my goal of becoming a chartered surveyor.
What made you want to study your course? How did you come to study your subject?
My journey to Quantity Surveying started with a fascination for real world change, how massive projects like skyscrapers has popped up over the years and what it took for that to happen. I love the blend of maths, problem solving and business smarts it demands. After researching options, Salford’s triple-accredited course took the biscuit – designed by industry pros for industry pros, as well as major industry links in Manchester which no other course at any other university ticked all the boxes like this has.
Tell us a bit about your course. How would you explain your course to someone who knows nothing about it?
Imagine you’re building the ultimate Lego project with your friends, but it’s massive – like a real skyscraper. A quantity surveyor is the friend who is in charge of counting every piece, works out how much it will cost, make sure all the builders are happy and are on track and stops any sneaky extra expenses from popping up. That’s me in training – managing money, materials and schedules to make ideas a reality.
“The support at Salford is top-notch and feels genuinely tailored.”
Serjie Cruzada
How did you learn on the course?
Learning here is hands on and in exciting from day one. We’ve dived into group projects where we collaborate like a real QS team, learned about the fundamentals of building and even headed out on site visits to construction in action. Top it off with guest speakers from the industry bodies (CICES, RICS, CIOB) and major construction firms like Balfour Beatty dropping in to share insider tips.
What support is available for you throughout your studies? What are the teaching/school like?
The support at Salford is top-notch and feels genuinely tailored. I can go to any member of staff for guidance, plus drop-in sessions from the academic skills team to nail essays and exams. The School of Science, Engineering and Environment (SEE) is is full of approachable lecturers who are ex-industry pros – they’re always up for a chat. There’s also wellbeing services, a 24/7 library, and careers advice that starts right from year one.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying here?
Just go for it, jump in head first and make the most of it – join societies, go to every networking event and treat uni like your playground. Use the amazing facilities, chat to your lecturers early and balance study with play. Salford’s vibe is support and ambitious, you’ll thrive if you embrace it.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
I keep things balanced and productive – a little bit of everything daily builds up by the end of the week. Mornings start with some exercise (gym or a run to clear my head), followed by a solid study session (lectures, assignments or revising) until I lose focus and I always make sure I end the day with some me-time (watching tv, at the pub or seeing my mates). By the end of the week it would have added up and kept the balance. It’s sustainable and keeps me sharp.
How many days a week are you on campus for teaching? How do you split your time between campus and your own learning/preparing for assessments?
I’m on campus 3 days a weeks. I treat it like a full time job: arrive early, stay til the evening, go through lectures/projects in the SEE building and use downtime for group work or library grinds. The 2 weekdays I’m not on campus are my catch up days spent reading, polishing projects or assessment prep at home keeping everything on track without getting burnt out. And if everything is done during the week – I can spend the weekends doing what I want guilt free.
What do you think of the facilities and equipment? Is there anything you particularly enjoy using?
The facilities are class, especially the SEE Building where I spend a lot of time in. It’s a stunning tech packed hub with all the facilities and collab space we need. I love having a full equipped kitchen to heat up my meal preps or brewing a coffee/tea during long days, where it feels like a professional office and not just a Uni.
What is your favourite thing about being a University of Salford student?
My favourite thing is the Manchester vibes and real world focus. How I’m only steps away from a one of the fasted developing cities with industry professionals walking in to teach us. The community in Salford is another plus – diverse, driven students and staff who make you feel like you’re already in the game.
Where do you want your degree to take you? What is your dream job and how do you think your degree will help you get there?
My dream job is to be a fully charted Quantity Surveyor leading mega projects like Manchester’s skyline and developments. This degree is the ticket to fulfil that dream – the triple accreditation is globally recognised and fast tracks me to a professional status with site visits and guest lectures to help build my network and the practical skills taught by the University make me employer ready.