Finding your way in a diverse field

This article was written for EG’s Starting Out in Real Estate guide, click here to view the digital edition >> COMMENT Like many teenagers, I did not know what I wanted to be – or even who I was. Studying didn’t come naturally to me and I spent most of my time volunteering at a local riding school for the disabled. I wasn’t particularly good with my hands and I’m colour-blind, which I assumed ruled out many trades for me. A foundation of living What I did have, however, was a hunger for knowledge and learning. After school, I enrolled on a HND Architectural Conservation course at the City of Glasgow College, which was eye-opening. Two years later, I began studying for a BSc (Hons) building surveying degree at Edinburgh Napier University. The courses were very different. I enjoyed the practical aspects of the HND and the smaller focus groups but I really appreciated learning about different aspects of the built environment at university. It was at Napier that I met my first group of “guy friends” – a very different experience for me, as most of my childhood friends were girls. It was also at university that I met my future husband, Daniel. It really was a transformational time that I look back on fondly. After graduation, I applied for a graduate residential surveyor position at e.surv Chartered Surveyors and was part of the first cohort of five graduate trainees. The business has since launched the careers of almost 400 residential surveyors since 2013. The power of networking If I could give any advice to my younger self, it would be to join your local RICS Matrics group as soon as possible. This will enable you to meet the future of the profession while learning, networking, and meeting potential employers. It is an invaluable tool, whether you want to secure a new job or gain work experience. It is also a priceless opportunity to make friends and support local charities. I joined Glasgow RICS Matrics after winning the RICS Young Surveyor of the Year award (valuation category) in 2021. Teenage me could never have imagined I would attend such a prestigious awards ceremony in London, let alone walk up to collect an award – in my kilt, of course. Being out at work It took me a while to “come out” in the workplace. There weren’t any visible role models and, in the time since, this is something I have tried to be for others. However, via networking you will find your people; passionate people who champion and advocate for others. Go find those individuals and charge yourself up like a shiny electric car. Other people give you the power to carry on and help others along the way. There are many networking groups and equity, diversity and inclusion events in the sector. Sybil Taunton, head of diversity, equity & inclusion at the RICS, has been fantastic in encouraging meaningful discussions within the RICS, among RICS members, and across the wider built environment. The surveyor of the future looks like you and me, in all our diversity. While your skills and experience are critical, diversity is key and we are continuing to break down barriers and remove outdated stigma, such as gender stereotypes. Things have changed hugely over the course of my 10 years in residential surveying. I am excited to see what the next 10 bring. Kevin Keane is a technical partner at e.surv a and board member of RICS Scotland View the digital edition of Starting Out in Real Estate >>