A day in the life of…

This article was written for EG’s Starting Out in Real Estate supplement, click here to view the digital edition >> From project managers to valuers; architects to engineers, the range of roles in the real estate sector is expansive. Here we feature a range of professionals working in different roles and sectors and at different stages of their career, who discuss their journeys into real estate, the skill sets needed for their role, what they do day to day and, crucially, what they love about the industry… Heena Gadhavi, associate director, UK research & insight, Cushman & Wakefield There are very few people who set out to be a property researcher. I was not even aware of it as an option when I went to university to study maths and business. I have always enjoyed the problem-solving element of maths – and I have not changed. I always pictured myself working for a bank or in finance and it was by chance that I applied for a data analyst role through LinkedIn in 2013 and secured my first job in the real estate sector. The appeal of telling a story, backed by facts and data, is one of the reasons why I am still a property researcher 10 years later. I have worked with some amazing research teams. I started covering central London residential assets, then moved into an EMEA commercial analyst role, before progressing into researching and reporting on UK commercial and rural markets. Such varied exposure was great but I did not want to be a jack of all trades and master of none. When the opportunity to work in Cushman & Wakefield’s UK research team came up, specialising in central London offices, it was the perfect next step. Despite now working in one sector and geography, no one day is the same. Aside from quarterly reporting periods, a working week typically consists of a variety of requests and bespoke analysis from the internal teams, getting out and about to meet with and present to clients, while carving out time to work on larger thought leadership or flagship insight publications. I split my time and sit with various teams in the office. While I am technically independent from the fee-earning teams, they are my key internal stakeholders and it is amazing how much market intelligence I can learn by spending a day with them. There are no formal qualifications or study routes required to be property researcher (a benefit for anyone looking to work within this part of the industry), though having a background in real estate is beneficial. There are people within the industry who have started out in a research role and have gone on to achieve RICS qualification, highlighting that a research role can open the door to other opportunities. Strong analytical and presentation skills are a benefit, however they are not a prerequisite and can be learnt on the job. Presenting wasn’t something I was particularly good at and I continue to work hard to develop this skill. The most valuable asset is an intellectual curiosity in what is happening and why. That links my job back to what I first loved about maths: how you can reveal something through numbers that was previously hidden – and help solve problems, for our business and clients. Top tip: Go with an open mind. It can lead to many fantastic opportunities, either within research or elsewhere in real estate. The opportunities are endless. I love the consultancy side, where the work I do helps to inform on current market trends and activity, and contributes to clients’ decision-making. Everything in this role begins and ends with data, which has been – and continues to be – my happy place. Roy Albert, lead valuer, Valuation Office Agency My route into real estate was both by accident and interest. I was initially employed by the Rent Service as an administrative assistant and, within a few months, I progressed to being a rent officer, where I valued residential properties for the purpose of assessing housing benefit and fair rent. I always had a fascination for older buildings. Being from Dominica, I was used to one type of build, while England has a fascinating variety of build type, age and characteristics. Once I started valuing Victorian, Georgian and thatched roof cottages in the Cotswolds, I decided I wanted to develop my education, skills and knowledge. When the Rent Service amalgamated with the Valuation Office Agency – a public sector property valuation service with professionals providing the valuations needed to support local taxation and benefits – I saw the opportunity to become a chartered surveyor. There are advantages to having chartered status: career enhancement, freelancing, attainment of the “gold standard”, financial stability and, importantly, being an integral part of the built environment. It’s rewarding to go past a building and say “I valued that”. The added benefit is that I can pass my skills and knowledge on to others wishing to become chartered. I started the journey by enrolling in the NVQ level 4 valuation course, which led to my AssocRICS qualification. Without an accredited degree that readily led to becoming chartered, I longed for the opportunity for an alternative route. When the VOA advertised the opportunity to join its apprenticeship programme through the Chartered Surveyor’s Training Trust, I jumped at the opportunity. I graduated from University College of Estate Management after four years’ part-time study and went on to sit my Assessment of Professional Competence. At APC, I did a mix of technical, mandatory and core competencies. As a valuer, my core competencies were valuation, inspection and measurement. As optional or technical competencies I selected local taxation, capital taxation and development appraisal. It is critical that the competencies selected align with your daily role. My daily role at the VOA is valuation. However, as an agency, we also engage with the council, occupiers and agents, so my day involves e-mails and calls to discuss cases. While desk work forms a significant part of my role, I also carry out inspections of various property classes, including offices, industrial and retail. A more recent allocation is equestrian (racing stables) and car showrooms. As we value everything, the opportunities are endless. I have valued properties for the Ministry of Defence, including a rifle range and various Army Reserve headquarters. One day I could be valuing a traditional office, the next I am working out the value of a horse stable at the Upper Tribunal as an expert witness and advocate. The complexity requires full commitment but it is rewarding. The training and upskilling in the role have also been fantastic. As a valuer, it is critical that you have an enquiring mind, as well as a good understanding of property pathology. This includes property age, defects and value. Report writing also forms an integral part of the role. Post-qualification, I have broadened my involvement in the industry. I am a RICS assessor, chair and a committee member for qualification and valuation, as well as an ambassador for LionHeart – the charity for RICS professionals. I also act as a mentor and supervisor for candidates embarking on the chartered journey. Top tips: There is no easy route to becoming chartered. Each route and pathway is stringent, so network to grow your knowledge. Being part of RICS Matrics is a good starting point. Finding work experience that aligns with your chosen APC competencies is critical to build the necessary skillset. When preparing for your APC, do more than just revision. Practice your case study presentation, as well as using resources on platforms such as YouTube. View the digital edition of Starting Out in Real Estate >> See more: A day in the life of…  Main image © Marvin Meyer/Unsplash. Others supplied