Trainee Surveyor Review

I work in Central London, investment dealing with the purchase and sale of commercial buildings in both the West End and the City. These are predominantly office led schemes, but there is exposure to residential and retail also. Client range from owner occupiers to international investors to real estate funds.

I have learnt a great deal - especially when it comes to the economics side of things. Running cash flows, creating development appraisals and property valuations are part of my day to day role. Meeting clients and undertaking property inspections have also improved my communication skills and confidence. This is just a small snippet really!

I really enjoy the programme - both the academic side of it and learning on the job. I would not have wanted to go to university full time, and then pursue a graduate scheme job, as this seemed to be a harder option to work at a job company and would come with significant student related debt.

The programme is very well structured - all the course material is easily accessed online so can be done anywhere, and is concisely delivered. The university provide support where needed and I have a personal coordinator that I can ask any questions directly. We catch up regularly so I feel very much looked after.

My employer is very good at encouraging my study and so I feel well supported on the academic front. In terms of support at work, it is second to none as I have a team of experienced colleagues to help with any questions and tasks I require guidance on. They also have a very good graduate programme which I will be supported through in the run up to taking my APC.

My training provider has been extremely good in aiding my progression towards my qualifications. The organisation has been seamless as far as I am concerned and I am able to raise any questions directly with my coordinator, who either can help directly or seek advice on my behalf from the RICS.

Support towards gaining my qualifications hugely encourages me at work, helping me perform better in my role. The confidence it instills in me, as well as the continual learning, mean I am increasingly valuable at work to both my colleagues and also when advising clients. It has also provided me with a network of other Apprentices on the same path as me and we can swap notes.

Yes - there are plenty. I am part of a netball team at Savills and we play within a property league so it doubles up as a means of networking with other agents. Savills have also given me the opportunity to do a triathlon and 3 peaks challenge. The company also lay son networking events with clients and other agencies.

Yes

Yes undoubtedly. The company has been very supportive to me, I started out working in residential lettings and through the company I was given the opportunity to train to be a surveyor. Savills really want people to realise their potential and offer an unparalleled level of departments and platforms to do so.

I would suggest to apply to any work experience you can get - if at Savills then all the better. The company lay on Summer internships and week long insight programmes which provide the opportunity to meet some employees. This also helps narrow down departments you might want to focus on working in - there are so many options, so it's hard to know without having seen what they do from the inside.