Graduate Surveyor Review

My job is primarily centred around being the single point of contact for a range of global clients who occupy property, but who are not in the property business themselves. As a result of my clients being spread across a variety of asset classes my job varies on a day to day basis.

Due to coming into property via a 'non-cognate' route - Geography Undergraduate Degree - I have learnt a tremendous amount in the 8 months I have been working in the Occupier Services team here at Savills. I have learnt many new skills whilst also developing upon the interpersonal and organisational skills I came into the role with.

As a result of the above and a huge number of other factors (in particular the people here at Savills) I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far and honestly cannot speak highly enough of the graduate scheme at Savills, the Occupier Services team and the other service lines and people within the company. There is a real people culture right through the company, regardless of job role.

The programme is extremely well structured, with organised training days, webinars, CPD resources and general support. It is no surprise that last year Savills had an APC pass rate of 94%. Everyone at Savills is always more than happy to sit down and have a chat with you about any concerns or questions graduates have about the graduate scheme and the APC.

There is support all around us here at Savills, whether that be from your line manager, team manager, other members of the team, members of the graduate recruitment and support team and in general Savills employees on the whole. Support really is available wherever you turn, people are always happy to help out.

The support that is available and the support I have received so far has been second to none. I am given a variety of materials and points of contact that I am able to speak to regarding my masters degree and APC pathway. I feel fully supported as I continue to work towards my masters and APC.

I feel as though the training I am undergoing is helping me transition from someone who came from a non-real estate background to someone who is confident when speaking to and advising clients on their global real estate portfolios. The training enables me to provide my clients with the relevant knowledge and subsequently the appropriate real estate advice to enable them to make more informed decisions regarding their real estate.

Extra-curricular activities at Savills are a plenty. There are numerous networking events that take place and networking internally and externally is extremely encouraged. Furthermore, there are a number of sports teams which employees are encouraged to participate in. For example, next week I shall be participating in the National Surveyor Sevens tournament at Richmond Rugby Club representing Savills in a team of 12.

Yes

Everything I have experienced on the graduate scheme to date has been nothing but exemplary. I really could not be more grateful for the opportunity I was presented with to join this company and am thoroughly enjoying my time with the company and particularly the Occupier Services team. I would recommend Savills in a heartbeat.

Be yourself - Savills is a company built on the people that work here. Savills prides itself on the people culture at the company and it really does work hard to ensure this is at the centre of everything. Research, Research, Research - Know everything about the company (Company history, share price, key people, recent research to name a few). Show real interest as you are applying to become part of that company to you need to know and show why you want to join this company. Again, reiterating the point regarding people, make it personable to Savills and yourself. Why would you be a good addition to the company? What makes you a good fit for Savills? Be inquisitive - Savills is a company that really strives to be entrepreneurial and encourages its employees to do so. Have a list of considered questions to ask which you have thought about and researched. Emphasis on the 'considered', make your questions challenging and thought provoking for those whom you are asking the questions without trying to be too smart with it. For example, read recently published research articles and ask Director's for their thoughts on the current 'hot' topics in real estate. For example, how can real estate reduce its impact on the environment and how can companies implement ESG strategies in order to help reduce their carbon footprint in line with recent government regulation.