Alison Dziabas, Valuation Office Agency

Alison Dziabas is a surveyor at the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). She studied geography at the University of Edinburgh for her undergraduate degree and then undertook an RICS accredited MA in property management and development at Nottingham Trent University.

Why did you decide to get a graduate job in property?

I studied geography at university and knew that I wanted a job in which I wouldn’t be stuck behind a desk all day. I also knew that I enjoyed travelling so a property career seemed ideal. I now travel all over Yorkshire as part of my job providing valuations for public sector clients such as the Highways Agency and the NHS.

What do you like best about your job?

I enjoy the variety. One day I might be valuing a one-bedroom flat, the next I might be valuing a whole office park; some jobs take ten minutes and others take months.

What skills do you need to be a valuation surveyor?

Valuation is an art as well as a science. There are lots of numbers to crunch but I also need to analyse evidence and keep the relevant people informed. As well as using logic and common sense, I have to communicate effectively as I work with a wide variety of people, from solicitors and public sector bodies to staff working or living in the buildings being valued. I’m often on the road without my team with me to talk through any problems, so it’s important to be able to think on my feet and engage with people quickly. Property isn’t just about bricks and mortar: a lot of the skills that are needed are softer ‘people’ skills.

Is property a male-dominated industry?

I’ve been surprised that there aren’t more women working in property. The balance is shifting and I would certainly recommend this career to other women.