Things you must do as a final year surveying student!
Approaching the final year of your university studies is a time full of possibilities - but also uncertainty. And in the current economic climate, it definitely feels tough, with a cohort of qualifying students chasing probably fewer opportunities to get their foot on the ladder than we have seen for a while.
I understand more than many how hard it can be trying to kick start your career in times of downturn. In December 2007, I passed my APC, qualifying as a chartered surveyor. Shortly afterwards the housing market collapsed (the two events unconnected I promise!) The small firm that had trained me as an apprentice surveyor since I finished school could no longer afford to employ me. I'd always had an ambition to travel so took the opportunity to set off with some mates and a 'round the world' ticket - thankfully coming back to improved economic conditions and the opportunity to pick my career back up.
With all this in mind, LionHeart asked me if I'd share some tips for final year students who were looking to get the inside track on what would make them stand out to recruiters - the 'must dos' for the CV to help take first steps into the world of surveying work.
There are definitely still opportunities out there for graduate surveyors. And, most importantly, there are things you can be doing now to give yourself a head start to getting those opportunities.
Understanding
It sounds obvious, but have an understanding of how the buying and selling process works - and the current problems facing the housing market. It also helps to understand that surveying can be dynamic, exciting, and well rewarded, but is not is a 9 to 5 role.
Work experience
It can be hard to find but shows your enthusiasm if you have had some experience shadowing surveyors. It's also useful if you've experienced another property background, perhaps weekend work at an estate agency. Any kind of client facing experience will also give you solid transferable people skills - retail, leisure, anything that gives you a handle on dealing with the public/ clients.
Extra curricular and networking
One of the biggest topics in the built environment currently is sustainability and it will help if you can show a keen interest and familiarity with new sustainable technologies and Retrofit - evidenced by blogs, attending webinars. LinkedIn is a huge resource of expertise you can learn from. Follow experts, listen to conversations. Join RICS Matrics - it's a good way to network and help support your development. Find a mentor, go to the careers fairs.
Outside interests
It's good to show other interests and possibly volunteering or charity work, demonstrating a well-rounded individual...
Mental health strategies
... which brings me on to the importance of having good mental health and wellbeing strategies. Surveying can be a pressured environment in which to work and, if you work from home, can be isolating. All work and no play is no good for anyone and will burn you out.
Check out what LionHeart has to offer!
We are lucky in the surveying profession to have an independent charity like LionHeart and you should check out the support that's available to you, while you are a student but also looking to the future and right through a hopefully long career as a surveyor. This includes mental health support, and the kind of soft skills that will stand your career and personal development in good stead.
Finally
- good luck! Surveying is a wonderful profession in which to forge a career.
Based in the north east of England, Adrian Drummond MRICS is training manager and area surveyor for SDL Surveying, one of LionHeart's corporate partners. As well as leading on the training for SDL's graduate surveyors he is also an assessor for Sava and the RICS APC.
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