Commercial property blog: My way to a job in the property industry5th July 2013

Five years ago a family member suggested a career in the property industry and it had an instant appeal. Prior to applying to university, I was able to call on some family contacts to arrange a few weeks work experience at various firms. The experience was invaluable, confirmed my thoughts and my mind was set on a career in property.

I applied for The Real Estate Management Course at Oxford Brookes University and it was nothing like I expected, then again I didn't really have anything to compare it to. We covered topics including law, valuation, planning and property and asset management. I continued to carry out work experience during university holidays and built up relationships with a number of firms.

In the autumn of 2010, I was starting my third year at university and we were strongly advised to start thinking about applying for jobs in the property industry. We were warned that graduate intake numbers had fallen considerably since the economic downturn. However, the larger firms in London were showing signs of increasing their recruitment initiatives. We were advised to apply to as many jobs as possible.

I kept my CV updated and obtained advice from lecturers in relation to its contents and layout. It’s important to have a good CV, which is well structured and well written. This is essentially the first test and many employers will disregard a CV for the smallest of mistakes - it’s an easy way of cutting down the numbers.

The application process is a lengthy one and it is not easy. It is important to tailor your CV and covering letter for each position and to be fully prepared when asked to complete online forms and assessments, especially for those which are timed. When preparing for interviews make sure you know the market, the economy, the services the company provides and the role you are applying for.

I worked my way through the application process and was successful in getting to the final round for two positions. I accepted a job in the residential consultancy division at Cluttons LLP in London and started there a week after my final exam.

If there was one piece of advice I can give to graduates, it is to get as much work experience as you can with as many different firms as possible. It all helps your CV to stand out from the hundreds of others.
I have been working for Cluttons for over two years now and am thoroughly enjoying the experience.

I am often asked my opinion and experience of working in a male dominated industry and believe that all industries benefit from a balance of males and females as both genders bring different viewpoints and opinions to the table.

I am working towards taking my APC (RICS Assessment of Competence) and obtaining RICS Membership. It is challenging balancing work and studying for the APC. However, I try to fit studying in at any opportunity, whether it be on the train to and from work or during my lunch break - I hope it all pays off.

About the author

Emma Sheldrick is a graduate surveyor working in the residential consultancy division at Cluttons LLP, a surveying firm that provides services across both residential and commercial sectors.

Emma takes a keen interest in the built environment and architecture, and enjoys spending her weekends in the Kent countryside.