Sophie Plummer-Seats

Job: graduate surveyor
Employer: PRUPIM
Area of work: commercial property
Qualifications: Oxford Brookes, real estate management

I chose surveying because I wanted to combine my enthusiasm for business with my interest in the built environment. I initially considered rural surveying but after spending a month on work experience with a top London agent I knew that the buzz of commercial property was for me. My first year has been spent with the
asset management team. We’re responsible for managing clients’ property portfolios to make sure their
value increases.

I’ve already been given a lot of responsibility even though I am still training: I have my own caseload and have personally negotiated a number of rent reviews, lease renewals and new lettings, all of which have contributed to an improved performance for each asset. I have also worked with our consultants
on a number of exciting refurbishment projects.

Exceeding expectations

One of the highlights of my year has been negotiating and completing five rent reviews on one estate – the new
rents that were finally agreed with the tenant’s agents were 25 per cent above our original estimations. On an estate of only eight units this had a significant impact on the overall value and it was gratifying to receive a personal thank you from the fund manager.

I will shortly start my second year of training, which I’ll spend with the fund management team dealing with acquisitions and disposals. After learning the foundations of asset management I am thoroughly looking forward to the role, which will focus more on investment.