A Professional Career, High Earning Potential and a Business of My Own.
Changing careers is never a small decision, especially when it involves stepping away from a familiar path and venturing into a completely new profession. In this case study, we explore the journey of David Cross, a former piano teacher, who made the bold move to retrain as a residential surveyor through the Sava Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation. Motivated by the desire to secure a better future for his family and follow in the footsteps of a relative already in the industry, David set his sights on a career that offered professional recognition, financial stability, and long-term growth. Here is David’s story.
What was your background before training as a surveyor?
Before becoming a surveyor, I had two jobs which I continued during the Sava course – a part-time sign factory operative and a full-time piano tutor.
What was your motivation for becoming a residential surveyor?
To be honest, the higher earnings are what attracted me into the profession as the role promised more than my two jobs put together at the time. I’d recently taken out a mortgage with my wife and had to settle down quickly, so a professional career was looking very appealing.
My father is also a Chartered surveyor, so I had a good point of reference and could see myself following in his footsteps.
What was it that made you choose the Sava diploma as your training route?
As far as my father and I were aware, the Sava course was the easiest route to achieve AssocRICS without having to go to university, which was an illogical choice for me considering my family and financial commitments.
How did you find the training with Sava?
I loved going into the classrooms twice a month for the training sessions and taking some time out of my other jobs! My fellow students were easy to get on with (I still keep in touch with some of them) and the teaching was very good. Special mentions to the trainers, Alan, Larry, Marion, Mike and Jon for sharing their expertise and support throughout.
Teaching materials were very accessible, making it easy for me to study around my normal life routine. At the time, there was some room to improve the marking of assessment tasks, particularly in reducing the time between feedback, but it didn’t hinder me achieve my qualification.
The biggest highlight was (probably as expected) passing the course and receiving my certificate in the post. It was a very proud moment!
“It has completely transformed my life, facilitating a new and exciting career change…”
What have you been up to since qualifying?
I now work for my own surveying business within a cooperative structure (Allied Surveyors) and I have been undertaking surveying work such as valuation and condition surveys ever since. I’m also on the verge of completing an MSc degree in Building Surveying to work towards my MRICS status. Everyday is a school day!
My wife and I were lucky enough to welcome our little boy, Jack, into the world in October 2024, so life is busy right now!
What’s been your surveying career highlight so far?
Definitely starting my own business. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of and it has made such a big difference to the overall way of life for my family and I.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in surveying?
Planning ahead is key as it is not always easy to engage in a distance learning exercise, especially if you have a family and/or full-time job. It takes a lot of dedication to get the work done so you must make sure you really organise your days to gain the qualification. Do not waste your time and money.
Can you describe the impact the Sava diploma has had on your life so far?
It has completely transformed my life, facilitating a new and exciting career change that benefits my entire family.
Would you recommend the Sava diploma to others?
I would definitely recommend the diploma to anyone looking to become a surveyor. It seems the quickest, easiest and most economical way to enter the profession. The rewards by far outweigh the investment and effort.
To find out more about becoming a residential surveyor through Sava’s part time, vocational Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation, you can contact a course advisor on 01908 442158, email hello@sava.co.uk or explore the course here.