Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I am an Apprentice/Graduate Surveyor at Allsop LLP, currently working within the Lease Advisory and Business Rates team. I have always had a keen interest in property from a young age, whether that was getting involved in DIY projects or watching property programmes.

At school, I was a very academic student. Attending a grammar school, the traditional university route was strongly encouraged whilst apprenticeships were often overlooked. Despite this, I knew that I would be better suited to an apprenticeship programme, combining both practical and theoretical learning rather than focusing solely on textbooks.

To pursue my interest in property, I applied for the Allsop Surveying Degree Apprenticeship Programme and started my career with a three-and-a-half-year rotation in the Lease Advisory and Business Rates team. Since then, I have rotated through several departments within the firm as an ‘honorary graduate’, including Residential Auctions and Receivership. I have recently returned to Lease Advisory and Business Rates to consolidate my experience before completing my final rotation in the Commercial Valuation team.

What does your day-to-day look like in your role?

My day-to-day responsibilities vary significantly depending on the team I am working in.

For example, during my time in the Residential Auction team, my day often began with property inspections and gathering information for marketing particulars. This involved travelling across the country and viewing a variety of residential properties, developing my knowledge and experience. I would then return to the office to draft property descriptions ahead of the Auction Catalogue Print Deadline - when properties are officially launched to the public. Alongside this, I handled Lot enquiries from prospective buyers including bid registration and viewing arrangements. If time allowed, I would take calls from potential sellers, carry out appraisals, and agree on Terms of Engagement and fees. Auction days themselves tend to involve early starts and late finishes, depending on the number of Lots. However, the adrenaline rush on the day is thrilling! During the day, I would assist with bidder registration and take bids over the phone during the live auction.

Receivership, on the other hand, is a completely different discipline. Receivers are appointed on behalf of a lender in order to manage the sale of an asset following a borrower defaulting on their loan repayments. A typical day might start with inspecting a property which we have been appointed over, followed by drafting a report for the client. My role also included taking calls from borrowers, liaising with estate agents or auctioneers to coordinate sales, and working closely with other professionals involved in the process.

Having already spent several years in Lease Advisory and Business Rates, I now take on more responsibility compared to other rotations. I deal directly with clients and negotiate settlements on their behalf. My day often involves researching comparable evidence to support my case and drafting detailed reports to support negotiations.

Could you tell us about your career journey leading up to the current day?

Traditionally, entering the property industry meant applying as a university graduate so my path has been somewhat unconventional. However, apprenticeships are becoming increasingly common in the industry, offering a great support network of peers going through the same experience.

Allsop offers a well-structured training programme that provides support both academically and professionally. By the end of the apprenticeship, you are well-prepared for your final surveying exam, the APC.  

Although I chose the apprenticeship route, I will qualify as a surveyor at the same time as my university graduate counterparts. Considering the knowledge and experience that I have gained, I do not feel that I have missed out on the typical "university experience" and have in fact benefited from practical experiences which will benefit me in the long term.

What excites you about your job and the industry as a whole? In other words, what keeps you here?

What excites me most about this job is that it is not purely desk-based. I am often out of the office a couple of times a week, viewing properties and applying my valuation skills. From day one, I have attended client meetings and, progressing through the programme, I have started managing my own caseload.

Allsop has been very supportive in encouraging me to take on more responsibility, and this trust has helped me grow and develop.

The ratio of office to inspection work depends on the team you are in. For example, agents tend to be out and about more than those in professional disciplines. One of the key benefits of the apprenticeship or graduate scheme is the opportunity to rotate through different departments, helping you identify where your strengths and interests lie.

What defines your "place" in the real estate industry?

As more apprentices enter the industry, I see it as my responsibility to mentor and support them. Many apprentices join straight from school, so the change from a structured learning environment to the professional world is often quite overwhelming, as one must juggle professional and academic commitments.

As you progress in your career, I feel that it becomes a natural responsibility to support trainees in becoming confident professionals. This will ultimately reduce any stress they may be feeling and also develop your personal relationship with your peers, which is what this industry revolves around - connections!

With apprenticeships still evolving, I also see myself as an ambassador for this route. I am passionate about promoting apprenticeships and demonstrating the number of benefits they offer.

It’s been great getting to know you, Ysabella! Finally, what encouragement would you give to someone considering exploring this industry as a future career?

I would say – do not feel pressured to know exactly what you want to specialise in from day one. Whether you are entering the industry as an apprentice, graduate, or trainee, you will have plenty of time and opportunity to explore different areas of the industry through your training programme. Even if your employer does not specialise in a certain discipline, this is where your networking comes into play. Engaging with people across the industry may open your eyes to areas you hadn’t previously considered.

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