I was so excited this week to be invited to chat the next generation property professionals at mipim. It was an invitation I couldn’t resist from the RICS. Read more to find out about the changing face of the property industry and how they want you if you want to join!
The Event
The idea was to get a panel of property professionals to chat about the next generation property. The interviewer was Managing Director of the RICS Matt Howell, and the panellists were from CBRE, Knight Frank, Deloitte, Cushman & Wakefield, JLL & NC Real Estate (eek that’s me, representing… me!). The discussion was held live at mipim and was such an awesome nod towards to forward moving direction of surveying and the property industry in general.
So, what could world-class firms do to retain world-class talent?
The conversation was all about training, well-being and shouting about how diverse the sector is becoming. It’s about understanding every individual, what they have to offer and then nurturing them. My belief is that if you enjoy the built environment then there is a role for you somewhere in it. If you like houses, massive sky scrapers, the layout of buildings, the infrastructure behind it, the notices for people buying and selling, strategy and asset management there is a job out there for you.
What pathways are available?
There are now more routes than ever in to the sector. Apprenticeships, internships, purely working your way up in the job, distance learning, intensive learning. If you want to get involved there is a way for you to do it.
Who is Next Generation Property?
More excitingly more firms are looking to recruit from everywhere and anywhere. They realise that talent doesn’t just pour through the universities it can be found anywhere.
I had always thought of the sector as a bit of a closed book. However, since starting my own company and getting out there and talking to as many people as possible, I understand the openers of individuals to want to chat to those looking to get into the industry. It’s refreshing to see that rather than professionals wanting to keep outsiders out, they are relishing at the opportunity to help everyone in and listen to what they’ve got to say.
Next generation property focuses on reaching out to the next generation of people wanting to re-shape the built environment. I raised the question to the managing director of the RICS as to whether they were purely looking for younger people and he responded with an overwhelming no. The next generation property is all about anyone who wants to come in and help for the better.
How exciting is all of this? Are you now confident you can come and join in the industry?
I really hope so. It’s inspiring and I’m proud to be a part of it. I also promise to keep this conversation going. The industry should be open to all!
If you have read this and are now thinking ‘I want in’ then nows the time to go for it. You can either contact the RICS directly or email me natasha@ncrealestate.co.uk. I’m always happy to chat about my journey in the industry. I can also point you in the right direction of who is best to speak to.
I’m going to leave you with all this amazing news. However if you want more info about the seminar and next generation property scroll on down. I provide you with the deets of my answers to the questions I was asked! The great news is that the RICS have taken the comments on board. Change here we come!
Are you interested in joining the property profession? Or are you already in and want to share your story? Leave your comments below, I’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to like this and share it around.
NC
A Sneak Peak into the Interview
What is currently influencing younger people to work in the built environment? Why did you get involved?
It’s interesting and diverse. Although I think that unless you do a property related degree you fall into it by chance
I got involved by chance I worked for a lettings agent at university. Through this I talked to someone in the surveying industry who put me in contact with a London firm who needed a graduate surveyor. I got offered the job and learnt about the industry through my job.
With talent being recognised as being more important than capital what do employers need to do to attract and retain the best talent?
Wellbeing / good work-life balance / the ability to progress as far as you want / option to diversify / unlimited earning potential / lot’s of holiday / flexible working / understanding of creativity / ethic of understanding that not everyone has got the same education but that everyone can offer something to the business / not so much dog eat dog, more support and lifting up – my favourite thing about the industry is being able to talk to as many different people as possible and learning from them
What support do the smaller practices require to help attract talent and what support do they need?
I would love to be able to take on a young graduate and make sure they can do their APC and learn about the industry. With it being just me I have no facilities for training and so that can be expensive to outsource.
RICS should put on more free revision sessions for candidates
I need to be able to provide great staff benefits, and the things I would expect going through the process again. So study leave / time to really understand each of the modules / more annual leave to make sure my wellbeing is on point / gym membership / lunch breaks / office manager
Which means that I would need to employ an additional person so that they could time switch
What can RICS do more of / less of to create a pool of future talent for the surveying profession?
Not make it so difficult to be able to take your APC! Accredited degrees don’t really make that much difference if you are already doing the job. So it’s just jumping through additional hoops.
I knew I could write assignments and do exams. I already had done my undergraduate degree. This was just the same, but on top of a day job!!
I have a lot of people who get in contact with me and are put off by the level of work they have to do to become chartered. Especially those in their late 20’s and early 30’s it’s like re-training from step 1.
A degree should be fine and then the RICS should offer additional short courses for any skills that candidates feel they need extra of (which they already do, but at a huge price)
If someone has a genuine desire to be in the industry and learn, learning on the job and then taking the APC should be sufficient in gaining the awesome skills you need to be a surveyor.
What does the panel think will be the next technological revolution to impact the built environment – what can we do to be ahead of the curve?
GET SOCIAL! Technology is great, but personal touches do wonders to create a business relationship. I don’t think that anyone should be scared of technical advances. Just ride the wave and understand that you do need to go and speak to people. Even skype is awesome for this!!
