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… Reah Huggins-Sutton, surveyor – strategic asset management, JLL My journey into real estate began when I secured a Saturday job working for a local estate agent. I was 19 and studying a law degree. I enjoyed the role so much that I decided to change my course. Fast-forward a few months and I had enrolled on a real estate degree at the University of Westminster. On the course, I discovered a whole range of surveying-related careers that I hadn’t previously been aware of.  After graduating, I accepted a place on the graduate programme at JLL and, on completion, decided to apply for a permanent role within asset management. I knew that a role in asset management would provide me with broad experience and enable me to continue my learning and development. I oversee and manage a portfolio of industrial assets on behalf of my client. These are large warehouses typically found out of town. Some of our occupiers you may know include Toolstation, Howdens, McDonald’s, the NHS and Deliveroo.  My role involves instructing and working with external consultants who carry out: Rent reviews – an evaluation of the rent at a property. These are typically upward-only and allow a landlord to adjust rents to market level Negotiate lease renewals – an extension of the term of a lease occurring at lease expiry Refurbishment of properties – the redecoration of a vacant building which will usually take place when a tenant has vacated on expiry of their lease Letting of vacant buildings – agents will market a building on behalf of the landlord to find a new tenant Valuations – valuers will assess the value of the portfolio on a quarterly basis. I’m required to travel to see assets, meet with tenants and attend meetings. A typical day is spent communicating with consultants ranging from agents, lease advisory surveyors, building surveyors, rating surveyors, planners, lawyers and valuers. I take advice from the experts and make recommendations to my client. Every transaction is centred around adding value to my client’s property portfolio. Every day is different and there is a lot of variety in what I do. My favourite thing about the industry is how sociable it is. There’s always something happening, from networking and sporting events, to conferences, launches and drinks. Outside my day job, I sit on Real Estate Balance’s NextGen committee, where I’ve been presented with several opportunities. Most recently, I attended UKREiiF where I took part in a panel discussion on diversity and inclusion. Suited to Sociable people, who enjoy working with others Those looking for a role where you won’t be chained to a desk! Someone who enjoys problem solving Those wanting a role where you can continuously learn and expand your knowledge People keen to do a bit of everything and who don’t want to specialise in one field Qualifications RICS-accredited degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) MRICS qualification Top tip: Networking is key. Put yourself in places where you can meet people who are already working in your field of interest. Add them on LinkedIn and keep in touch. Barney Evans, director, sustainability & ESG, planning & development consultancy, Turley Writing this as a middle-aged man, having worked in sustainability and energy for more than 20 years, is strange. I remember starting out, terrified of the phone ringing in case I didn’t know what to say, as if it were yesterday. While I didn’t have a specific academic background in sustainability, energy or real estate, I knew I wanted to benefit the world around me. I took notice of the growing discussions around sustainability at that time. In 2003, there was a boom in the engineering sector and a talent shortage. White Young Green – now part of Tetra Tech – gave me a job in Cardiff working on software modelling for renewable energy, energy performance certificates and BREEAM assessments. All the terminology and confidence my colleagues spoke with in meetings was daunting. But I always enjoyed how grizzled old engineers spoke with such confidence back then — with comments such as “we’ll just whack the plant on the roof”. What helped me in the beginning was my appetite to learn. I read everything I could lay my hands on, and this enthusiasm opened up exciting opportunities. This attitude is critical in sustainability, where there’s always a new policy, scheme or regulation to digest. At Turley, my focus is on the net-zero agenda at a corporate level, as well as contributing more broadly to the planning elements of our business. Business development is a key part of the role — meeting with businesses and authorities to understand what they need, explain what we do and develop relationships. Networking is cringy for most of us starting out. In our industry, it is important to get comfortable meeting people to have a chat and see what is exciting or worrying them without any agenda of your own. A typical day for me will involve speaking to co-owners – Turley is an employee-owned business. I normally have two to three meetings a day, either on projects or with clients. The rest of the time, I review reports, undertake analysis and calculations, or write proposals. There isn’t an “ideal background” for someone interested in our line of work. It’s a huge space that attracts people who like analysing complex data or designing systems and structures or those who prefer debate and discussion on policies – and everything in-between. In terms of qualifications, traditionally colleagues had architectural or engineering backgrounds, but increasingly people are studying a variety of degrees and then undertaking a masters in topics related to sustainability. I really enjoy working in an area that is so topical and changes how we live. Top tip: Get some work experience/internships. There are so many roles and organisations. You should try a few and, as an employer, these short-term roles are a great way of identifying good people for your organisation. You win both ways. 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