Estate agent : Entry requirements

Personality and experience are as important as academic achievement and most people in the occupation are not graduates. However, while a degree is not an essential entry requirement, increasing competition for employment means that taking a degree, foundation degree or HND in one of the following subjects may be an advantage:

• surveying;
• estate management;
• urban and land studies;
• business-related studies;
• civil and structural engineering.

A postgraduate qualification is not required; professional examinations are usually taken in-service and many people start their careers as trainees.

Pre-entry experience is not essential but a sales or administrative background would be helpful. There are increasing amounts of legislation applicable to property transactions, which have to be understood by entrants into the profession, so experience of legal work may also be an advantage.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following personal qualities and skills:

• excellent communication skills;
• customer service focus;
• a confident and outgoing manner;
• skills in negotiation and persuasion;
• commercial awareness and the ability to achieve sales targets;
• determination, perseverance and patience;
• an understanding of marketing techniques;
• IT skills.

It may be possible to enter the profession at an administrator level and then progress to an estate agent with experience.

Competition for entry varies according to the state of the economy, particularly the property market. Finding vacancies in buoyant times is relatively easy, but positions may not always be advertised so there is a need to make general enquiries on an informal basis.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.