Graduate Surveyor at CBRE

Tell us about your first year on the CBRE Graduate Scheme

Over the course of my first year, I have been able to experience a range of different projects and meet and work with some interesting people. The first couple months, having just left university, were spent adapting to my first 9 to 5 job and adjusting to CBRE’s culture, alongside getting an understanding of property management. Post Christmas, I was given my first portfolio of properties to manage, allowing me to develop my networking and presenting skills when dealing with clients. Over the last few months, I have been able to pick up some lease consultancy experience, undertaking some work for a key client in the North. This opportunity has been incredibly valuable in allowing me to broaden my advisory expertise and provide some good examples to use for APC.

How did you find out about the scheme, and why did you choose CBRE?

I had a non-typical application scheme process. I was supposed to go work within the field of football, however, one of my university lecturers reached out to me with the job role and graduate scheme. The global reputation of CBRE and the ability to interact with clients and get involved in interesting projects was a big reason why I chose CBRE. I think it is fair to say that I could not say no to the world's biggest real estate advisory firm and after receiving my job offer never looked back.

Can you tell us about any interesting projects you have worked on in your first year in the business?

I was lucky enough to organise and host the inaugural regional CBRE young professional’s event which was held in Manchester earlier this year. Alongside Eve Blears and CBRE’s events manager - we were able to put on a fantastic panel discussion and Q+A about the current disruptors in the office market sector. The event was followed by networking which gave the opportunity for CBRE’s regional employees (apprentice to senior surveyor) to chat with each other and the clients in attendance.

What advice would you give to people thinking about applying to the next gen scheme?

At CBRE, we pride ourselves in holding diversity and equality as one of our key values and as such, actively encourage people with different backgrounds to foster and grow under the training and guidance throughout the NextGen scheme whilst also providing opinions and advice that may not have previously been considered. Hence, the most important piece of advice I could give to applicants is to be yourself. The process can be incredibly daunting, and it is important to act in a professional manner, but staying true to yourself and the skills you can provide to the business will enable you to portray yourself in a confident and approachable way.