Property and Land and Surveying
Though the economic downturn has had a significant impact on some sections of the property sector and this has had a knock-on effect on surveyors, the letting and property management aspects of the sector are still going strong.
So if you are interested in pursuing a career as an estate agent, then you need not be put off by the current economic climate as, while house sales and prices have fallen, the lettings sector is still going strong with more people than ever looking to rent.
No two days are the same in the property and surveying sector, so if you thrive on variety and are excited by new challenges then perhaps a career in this industry could be for you. There is also the potential to earn a really good salary, while working with all sorts of people and potentially travelling all over the world.
Chartered surveyors do much more than simply inspecting houses for structural defects and damp. They may find employment in a variety of settings from global construction companies and engineering contractors to local government and public sector organisations. For graduates looking at a career in surveying, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveying (RICS) is a good source of information.
Estate agents may have to work long or irregular hours in order to satisfy client and customer needs. Viewings often take place outside of normal office hours so agents need to be available in the evenings and at weekends. By contrast, surveyors often work regular hours, though they occasionally work longer hours to meet deadlines and meet clients? needs.
Newly-qualified chartered surveyors earn between £19,000 and £25,000 per year, rising to an average of £32,000 per year with experience. Senior surveyors earn an average salary of £52,000 depending on their area of work.
Estate agents tend to earn a basic starting salary of £20,000 plus commission. Though salaries vary according to location, experienced estate agents take home between £25,000 and £55,000 per year.
For careers in surveying, you will need a RICS-accredited degree in a relevant subject such as property development, planning, surveying or estate management. If your degree is in a non-related subject then you will need to complete a postgraduate conversion course. Work experience in the property or building sectors will increase your employment prospects. Although you do not need a degree to become an estate agent, a qualification in a business or estate management-related subject may be an advantage.
To be successful in this sector you will need enthusiasm, confidence and excellent negotiating skills as well as good interpersonal and communication skills. Employers will look for evidence of commitment to your work and will value team-working and networking skills, and an ability to trust your own judgement and work on your own initiative.
