"I chose Carter Jonas because of its involvement in a wide range of infrastructure schemes"

How did you start your career with us and why did you choose Carter Jonas?

I joined Carter Jonas as a Graduate in the Infrastructure team in March 2021 following the successful completion of my MSc Real Estate course at The Royal Agricultural University. After supporting my parents and their interests in respect of an infrastructure scheme close to their property, I decided to pursue a career in surveying and returned to study. I chose Carter Jonas because of its involvement in a wide range of infrastructure schemes including road, rail and utilities acting on behalf of landowners and Acquiring Authorities.

What sort of work do you do and what are the skills required?

My work is very varied – I can be liaising with landowners to arrange access for multiple ecology surveys on one scheme, assisting colleagues with valuations for properties as part of the acquisition process, undertaking negotiations for the acquisition of a property for a homeowner on another scheme, or compiling a compensation claim for a landowner.

Being organised and having an ability to manage a varied workload is essential as you can be working on several schemes and with different clients at the same time. Good communication skills are essential as well as an ability to empathise with affected landowners. The ability to develop good working relationships with colleagues, other surveyors and clients is also essential.

Is there a particular project you have enjoyed working on?

I have been working on a road scheme since I started working at Carter Jonas. It has enabled me to be gain an understanding of all aspects of the scheme, not just the acquisition process but all the different stages of the scheme. This includes meeting landowners to discuss the impact of the scheme on their land and property, ensuring statutory notices are in situ and evidenced, attending public information events, undertaking valuations for the land and property to be acquired and being involved in the negotiations.

What makes Carter Jonas a great place to work?

The people and the projects. Everyone has been really welcoming and supportive in my career so far and there have been a wide range of opportunities and projects to develop my skills and experience.