Identifying the right career path for you can be overwhelming and it can feel difficult to even know where to start. The property industry has lots of different routes for you to explore. You may already know that you want to pursue a career in property, but are unsure which avenue to take, or you may have no idea where your interests lay. 

That’s why we have created this short guide on how you can step into property to kick start your career. With the right mindset and approach, you can build confidence and develop essential skills to set yourself apart.

Open Days, Insight Events & Networking Sessions

These are a great, simple way for you to gain real exposure to what property firms do and what type of work you could be involved in. Employers will sometimes host skills workshops or industry presentations with local schools or universities, and can even host virtual sessions. Treat these events as more than fact finding sessions – use them to network and build relationships in the industry. 

Top tips

• Research firms ahead to find out the type of property work they do
• Engage with other students to build rapport and confidence, it also allows you to learn from them 
• Introduce yourself to professionals
• Prepare some insightful questions such as asking about their journey into property or what they enjoy about their work
• Take notes, focusing on elements you can take forward 
• Show curiosity
• If you are interested in pursuing an application, ensure you understand the eligibility criteria prior to applying
• Connect with people on LinkedIn after the event to build your network
• Complete follow up actions

How to apply

These types of events are normally advertised on employers’ websites directly, run through schools or universities or hosted by industry professional bodies such as RICS and RTPI. You can also sign up to alerts which will notify you of such events when they become available. Staying in touch with people you meet at an event can be a good way to hear about further events and opportunities.

Work Experience, Placements and Internships

From work shadowing to short term placements, these are effective ways to provide invaluable insights into the industry.

• Research different companies to work out what interests you and the type of work you would like to experience
• Be open minded to get as much experience as possible - every experience teaches you something
• Prepare a covering letter showcasing your skills, experience and motivations to gain a placement
• Contact firms via their recruitment email address or contact professionals on LinkedIn, being proactive is key!

Reaching Out to Companies

Here are some top tips for approaching companies for the first time:

• Be concise and professional
• Introduce yourself and your interests
• Ask for advice or an opportunity to speak to someone in the first instance
• Be open minded and flexible to areas of interest, this will give you more opportunities to gain experience

Finally, how can you build confidence and the skills to be successful?

Developing your interpersonal skills is just as important as understanding the industry. These skills include communication, problem solving, adaptability and team working. To improve these you can:

• Practice speaking in public or a professional environment 
• Complete mock interviews with your friends, family or careers teams
• Get comfortable with the terminology in the industry by listening to podcasts and reading news reports or industry articles
• Sign up to newsletters to build your knowledge
• Participate in team building exercises through extra-curricular or school work 
• Be honest and be you!