Case studies: Assistant surveyor: Shirley

While working as a personal assistant, Shirley became fascinated by the world of surveying and decided to change career...

Before undertaking the BSc Estate Management at the College of Estate Management, I worked for King Sturge LLP as a personal assistant (PA). After discussing my aspirations with my employer, they were very supportive and invested in me as an individual. I now work in their valuation department as an assistant surveyor.

Undertaking the degree was essential to enable me to pursue this career change and is fundamental to fulfil my ambition to eventually become a chartered surveyor.

Without undertaking a relevant degree, the world of surveying would have been a very scary place. Both the practical and theoretical knowledge I gained during the degree has been invaluable, particularly from a valuation perspective.

A typical working day in the valuation department involves receiving client instructions about a particular property, undertaking the necessary conflict checks, and confirming those instructions. The property is then inspected and measured in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)  Code of Measuring Practice (6th edition) 2007.

Information relating to the property, such as existing leases and title documents, is collated and due diligence is undertaken on environmental and statutory issues surrounding the property, all of which could impact upon market value.

A vast amount of research is then undertaken to ascertain comparable evidence (the most common method of valuation, but dependent upon both the property and the type of valuation required) to support the valuation. Finally, a comprehensive valuation report is prepared and issued to the client.

I love everything about my job and hope to take the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) next year, in order to fully qualify and gain chartered status. Once RICS qualified, I hope to specialise within property management.

Every day in this type of career is a challenge - no two days are the same and every day is definitely a ‘school’ day, as you always learn something new.

Surveying is a fascinating career and well worth the hard work and effort to achieve such a varied and exciting role.

AGCAS

Sourced by AGCAS editors

Date: 

September 2010

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