Kam Kenn Jhun, *Lim Tze Shwan, Cheng Chin Tiong and Carolyn Loo Khye Lyn

Abstract: The transition from university education to professional practice can create mismatches between the expectations of fresh graduates and the realities they encounter in the quantity surveying profession. This study examines the expectations and experiences of fresh graduate quantity surveyors working in Klang Valley, Malaysia, with particular attention to expectation mismatch, satisfaction with employment expectations, and challenges encountered after entering the workforce. A quantitative research approach was adopted using questionnaire survey to collect data from fresh graduate quantity surveyors. From 121 questionnaires distributed, 71 valid responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings indicate that salary expectations and work-life expectations recorded the highest perceived mismatch between graduates’ expectations and workplace realities, while career enhancement showed a comparatively lower mismatch. In terms of satisfaction, salary expectations recorded the highest overall mean among the three expectation categories examined, whereas work-life expectations was the least satisfied. Regarding workforce challenges, respondents reported comparatively weaker technical competencies, including independent quantity take-off, preparation of Bills of Quantities or tender documents, and knowledge of Building Information Modelling-related tools. Multiple regression analysis further showed that salary expectations and work-life expectations had significant negative relationships with the corresponding mismatch of expectations, while career enhancement expectations did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship. These findings highlight the importance of better aligning university preparation, graduate expectations, and professional workplace realities. The study contributes empirical evidence on early-career quantity surveying experiences in Klang Valley and suggests that universities and industry should strengthen practical exposure, technical competency development, mentoring, communication of job expectations, and awareness of workplace conditions to support graduates’ transition into professional practice. Such alignment may help graduates develop more realistic expectations while supporting readiness, adaptation, and longer-term professional development.

Keywords: Mismatch, expectations, realities, fresh graduates, quantity surveyor