Mark Radford, Montagu Evans LLP

Mark Radford is a graduate surveyor specialising in office agency work at Montagu Evans LLP. He studied valuation and estate management at the University of the West of England.

How did you get into a property career?

I’ve known what I wanted to do since chatting to a surveyor at a sixth form careers evening. He sold it as a sociable career with lots of opportunity to get out and about, and he wasn’t wrong! At university, I had a year’s placement with a property firm and was offered a graduate place with the same company. It was a relief to know I had a position on graduation, so I advise others to take advantage of work experience opportunities.

What is being an agency graduate surveyor like?

I’m currently acquiring office space for clients in Greater London. This involves finding offices according to client requirements and showing clients around a potential shortlist of properties. I then negotiate acceptable terms with the building’s agents. I also act as the agent on behalf of clients looking for tenants to occupy their offices. It’s a great opportunity to see properties you would not usually see and build a good idea of the market.

Have you done any other rotations on your graduate scheme?

I’ve also spent time within our planning and professional services departments, which have been different experiences. My time in the planning department was particularly memorable because I oversaw a planning application from start to finish, dealing with architects and planning authorities. Although I could ask senior colleagues for advice, it was my sole responsibility and it was satisfying to see it approved.

What's your work/life balance like?

My usual working day is 8.45 am to 6.00 pm and the workload is manageable; I even usually find time to go for a drink with colleagues after work – it’s handy having a pub opposite our office!