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… Ruth Farrell, senior rural business consultant, DJM Consulting I always wanted to make my living from the farming industry, having come from a family that had a smallholding. I wanted a career where I could work with farmers, so I chose to go to a farming university (Harper Adams). When I looked at the courses, it was clear the rural enterprise and land management degree would give me a range of options and had lots of scope for me to specialise later in my career. I am a chartered surveyor who is a rural business consultant. This means I give advice to farmers on how to make the most out of their businesses. This includes coming up with new ideas, solving problems and helping them to put their plans into action. My typical day starts in the office at 8.30am. I speak to clients and other professionals on the phone, chair and attend meetings, visit farms, survey and value land and buildings, review documents and write reports. Projects I am working on now include helping with the purchase of a farm for £3.5m, calculating compensation for a farmer who has lost land to the HS2 railway scheme, negotiating terms for a solar park and being an arbitrator in more than 20 arbitrations. My day ends when the job is done; sometimes this means late nights. One of my favourite parts of the job is helping people and seeing the difference it makes to them. I love the variety. I meet lots of farmers and other professionals. I have also been able to specialise in helping farmers solve arguments by becoming a rural arbitrator – a bit like being a judge. I did this by completing a two-year diploma, going through assessments and then being appointed to arbitrator panels. Suited to Individuals who are friendly, empathetic and use their initiative Those with excellent communication and written skills People who like working in an office and are also happy to go out in their wellies Qualifications To be a chartered surveyor, you need to do a RICS-accredited university course, an apprenticeship or graduate training scheme and then spend at least two years working before taking your exams to qualify. Top tip: Get as much work experience as you can. Be curious, ask questions and do not be afraid to approach people. Explore different options and opportunities – there really is something for everyone in my sector. Rosalind Cullis, partner and real estate disputes lawyer, Maples Teesdale My mother was a law graduate and encouraged me to pursue a legal career. I was attracted to criminal law but also had a keen interest in acting, and thought a career at the bar, playing to a jury, might suit my theatrical and creative side. After a law degree at Southampton University and attending Guildford College of Law, I secured a paralegal role in the property team at Beachcroft Stanleys (now DAC Beachcroft). My tasks were initially administrative (a lot of photocopying huge plans of potential development sites) but I discussed cases with the lawyers and land law, which wasn’t a favourite topic for me at university, suddenly came to life. I was offered a training contract and, having been involved in some fascinating cases and enjoyed advocacy opportunities in the High Court, soon became a committed litigator. The property litigation team was newly formed and I jumped at the chance to join. I’m now a partner in the commercial property litigation team at Maples Teesdale, a firm that specialises in commercial real estate law. Property litigation is an area that’s resilient to fluctuations in the economy so, boom or bust, there will always be disputes to work on, although the nature of these disputes may change.  Litigation isn’t just about going to court which, although exciting, can be stressful and expensive for clients. It’s also about avoiding disputes and using negotiating skills, diplomacy and creative and commercial thinking to secure the best results. The past few years have kept us very busy – from the roller coaster of the pandemic and its impact on both landlords and tenants, to advising on the demise of the high street and the consequences of household name insolvencies, to the interesting work in connection with the green agenda and telecoms connectivity. Life as a property litigator is certainly very varied and stimulating, and nothing beats the experience of winning a case in court. Suited to Analytical and strategic thinkers Strong oral and written communicators Effective relationship builders Those with good organisational skills Those able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines Qualifications There are two main routes to qualification – see SRA website for full details: Undergraduate degree (doesn’t have to be in law); post-graduate study to pass both parts of the Solicitors’ Qualifying Exam (SQE 1 and SQE 2); and two years of qualifying work experience Solicitor apprenticeship (available to graduates and non-graduates) which combines study with work experience Top tip: Read the property press and familiarise yourself with the players in the market and topical issues. Try to get as much experience as you can in the sector in whatever form that takes. 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