Case studies : Lettings manager: Vikash Gandhi

Vikash Gandhi secured a position as a lettings manager for Spicerhaart after joining their graduate training programme. He graduated with a degree in business management and accountancy from Brunel University in 2007.

I studied business management and accountancy and so I automatically assumed a career in finance would be a practical career option. However, upon learning of the opportunities that Spicerhaart could offer – it was too good to miss. The requirement was 2:1 degree in any discipline so I formally applied online and went through psychometric testing, a telephone interview, face-to-face interview and then a final group assessment day consisting of an interview with a senior director, a practical exercise in an office and a presentation.

As part of the graduate scheme programme, I have had the opportunity to experience several parts of the business, including our accounts department, head office, property management team and various sales and lettings branches across the country.

Within six months I was unofficially managing the Ealing Broadway office, which allowed me to prove my business acumen and capability. Three months later I was officially the lettings manager of the Ealing Broadway branch and I haven’t looked back! Since I became a manager, I have had the opportunity to devise my own business budget and plan for the year ahead, been involved in marketing and branding, staff recruitment and actively developed and managed the most profitable lettings branch in the entire company!

I feel that my business degree has helped me to gain a swift understanding of all the business areas involved, and the training and development I have received while at Spicerhaart has helped me to gain in depth knowledge of estate agency and the lettings business. Spicerhaart as an organisation offers numerous opportunities to diversify into a wide range of areas include business IT systems, corporate, operations and compliance to name a few. Development is down to the individual – I am currently studying for my NAEA (National Association of Estate Agency) Technical Awards 1 and 2 which the company is financing and they are always prepared to encourage and reward those that excel.

Upon completion of the programme all the graduates on the scheme were invited by the CEO of Spicerhaart to celebrate our achievement at the Gherkin in Central London!

In my opinion the key to obtaining a successful graduate job is to firstly do your homework – nothing is more frustrating than speaking to someone who has no clue about their intended job industry of employment. Secondly, practice psychometric testing and interviews – careers centres offer adequate materials and resources to be successful. Finally, perseverance. Do not be disheartened by rejection or failure – to be successful you must first experience defeat – use feedback and self-reflection to eradicate any flaws in your execution and you will get into the career of your choosing!