Case studies: Trainee development officer

Will Croot studied a BSc (Hons) in Property Development and Building Surveying at the University of Portsmouth's School of Civil Engineering and Surveying. He now works for Paradigm as a trainee development officer

After attending several open days, it became obvious that the course at the University of Portsmouth was going to be the best at preparing me for a career in construction and property.

This was coupled with the fact that it was also accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which I think really helps my CV stand out against others.

During my final year there was a real focus on group led projects. This was really useful as it prepared me for the way in which I would need to work when faced with a professional role.

The course also covered other essential areas such as measurement, tender documentation, contract administration and project management which built up my understanding before entering the industry.

Working for Paradigm is really rewarding and something that I love because we provide social housing for 25,000 people across the South East of England and the Midlands.

As well as providing general support to my department, who help develop more than 500 affordable homes a year, I also take a leading role in looking at any defects reported by our residents during their defects period.

The defects period covers those who are living in a home during the first year after its construction. My job involves dealing with things such as cracks in walls, gutter replacement or plumbing issues and making sure we adhere to the National House-Building Council (NHBC) guidelines.

White Hart in North London is a major development for Paradigm, made up of more than 100 apartments. I was given the role of assisting in delivering the defects to customers for the entire scheme, which has really improved my confidence because I have to work independently away from the office on this project.
 
Getting work experience over any holiday periods has got to be a focus for anyone at university. I would recommend that they take any opportunity that arises because it gives you a real edge. I worked in several different organisations throughout my three year course, including a demolition company.

Graduates should be looking for jobs as early as possible because there is a lot of competition for each vacancy. I didn't find my job straight away and received a lot of rejection letters, with some organisations not responding at all.

I think it's vital that people aren't afraid of rejection, but instead use it to spur themselves on to the next application.