Roughcast - The No-Nonsense Building Surveying & Damp Podcast
Building a Career in Surveying: Insights from Sean McGoldrick
A Path to Building Surveying Sean's introduction to building surveying was quite serendipitous. "I had never heard of building surveying...It was only really when I was studying for [a BTEC in construction] that one of the modules was building surveying," he explains. This revelation during his A-level studies ignited a passion that would shape his career. Graduating from Ulster University in 2015, Sean became chartered in 2020, showcasing a traditional yet effective route into the profession. He reflects, "I suppose it was quite a linear traditional route into the profession." Taking the plunge to work for himself was daunting. Sean started part-time, working evenings and weekends while still employed. "I suppose my goal was to slowly but steadily build it up to where I thought I could comfortably take it on full time," he shares. By August 2024, he made the leap into self-employment and has found great satisfaction in his work. "I absolutely love it...I'm probably working a lot more hours now than I would have been in the employed role, but it doesn't actually feel like that," he admits, highlighting the fulfilment that comes from pursuing a passion. Sean emphasises the value of delivering quality over quantity in his surveys. "I only do a maximum of three surveys a week...I leave time over to have a conversation with a client, get to know them, get to know what their concerns are," he explains. This approach not only enhances client relationships but ensures thorough work. In a world where speed is often prioritized, Sean's philosophy stands out: "There's a lot of satisfaction in doing a good job...You can take the time required to do the thing properly." The discussion also touches on the challenges of maintaining a professional presence on social media, particularly LinkedIn. Sean notes, "I've started to see a lot of negativity...I don’t think you can put anything on LinkedIn at the moment without someone jumping on it and starting an argument." Dan adds, "I think AI's slop has ruined LinkedIn," pointing to the prevalence of AI-generated content that lacks authenticity. Sean agrees, expressing concern that too often, inexperienced professionals face undue criticism rather than constructive feedback. Sean's journey into surveying is a testament to following one’s passion and the importance of quality in professional practice. As he continues to grow his business, his insights serve as a reminder that success is not solely measured by quantity but by the value we bring to our clients. For more insights and to hear the full conversation with Sean McGoldrick, tune into the episode. The Leap to Independence The Importance of Quality Work Navigating Social Media as Professionals Conclusion
