Early Careers Newsletter

I discovered the property world through a long-standing interest in construction and how buildings come together from concept to completion.

This interest was strengthened through hands-on experience working with a family-run building business, where I was involved in site activities such as setting out and groundwork.

This early exposure gave me a practical understanding of the construction process and sparked my interest in pursuing a professional role within the built environment, particularly in surveying where I could combine both technical and project-based work.

I studied a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, which provided a solid foundation across key areas such as sustainable construction, project management, and CAD design.

This course enabled me to develop both technical and analytical skills, while also giving me an insight into the different roles within the industry.

It directly influenced my decision to pursue Building Surveying at university, where I built on this knowledge and developed a deeper understanding of areas such as building pathology, construction technology, and construction law.

My route into property started with my college studies in Construction and the Built Environment. I then progressed to Birmingham City University, degree in Building Surveying.

I also gained practical experience working on construction sites and undertook work experience at an architectural practice.

I then joined Carter Jonas as a Graduate Building Surveyor, where I’ve been able to apply my academic knowledge to real projects across residential and commercial sectors while working towards my professional qualification.

I was particularly attracted to Carter Jonas because of its diverse portfolio and the opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of sectors, including rural estates, residential and commercial properties.

The opportunity to work on interesting and varied projects, such as listed buildings and estate properties, really stood out to me.

I was also drawn to the company’s strong support for professional development and APC training. The collaborative culture and reputation for high-quality work made it a very appealing place to start my professional journey.

I am finding the graduate route extremely rewarding as it offers a great balance between structured learning and practical experience.

Being actively involved in projects has allowed me to develop a strong understanding of the role of a Building Surveyor, from preparing specifications and drawings to assisting with contract administration and inspections.

Having exposure to a variety of work, such as schedules of condition and dilapidations, has helped me build confidence and develop a well-rounded skillset while working towards my APC.

The culture at Carter Jonas has been very welcoming, supportive, and collaborative. I’ve found that colleagues at all levels are approachable and willing to share their knowledge, which has been invaluable as a graduate.

There’s a strong emphasis on teamwork and professional development, and I’ve always felt encouraged to ask questions and get involved. This supportive environment has made the transition from university to professional practice much smoother.

My favourite thing about my team is the balance between responsibility and support. I’ve been trusted to take ownership of tasks early on, such as assisting in preparing specifications, drawings, and supporting the tender process, while still having experienced colleagues available to guide me when needed.

This has allowed me to develop confidence and take on new challenges, while continuing to learn in a supportive environment.

I would advise gaining as much practical experience as possible alongside your studies.

Whether through work experience, part-time roles, or internships, having exposure to real projects can make a big difference in understanding how the industry operates.

It’s also important to stay curious and be open to the different areas within property, as it’s a broad sector with many potential career paths.

My top tip would be to prepare thoroughly and use real-life examples to demonstrate your skills and experience.

Drawing on experiences from university projects, work placements, or part-time roles helps show your practical understanding and enthusiasm for the industry.

It’s also important to research the company and be clear on why you want to work there specifically, as this can really set you apart.