Personal Profile

Name: Charlotte Stockwell

University and course: Liverpool John Moores University – Commercial Building Surveying MSc

Pathway: Building Surveying Team: Building & Project Consultancy, Manchester

Background

I graduated from King’s College London in 2016 with a first-class degree in Geography, at which point I had decided I wanted to pursue a career in surveying but had no experience in the field. I spent the next year undertaking placements in commercial, rural and building surveying firms, as well as working as an administrator in a residential agency office in Manchester. It was through these experiences I decided building surveying was the pathway for me and I applied for and was successful in gaining a place on the Savills summer scheme.

I spent a month with the building & project consultancy team in Manchester in August 2017 and was lucky enough to be offered a graduate role which I started in October 2017. At the same time, I started an MSc in Commercial Building Surveying at Liverpool John Moores University, which I undertake part-time spending one day a week at university.

TYPICAL DAY

As a graduate building surveyor there is no typical day as such, there is always something that crops up unexpectedly but it is the variety and fast-paced nature of the work that I enjoy and keeps the job exciting.

My working day usually starts between 8-8.30am after an hour's commute during which I check my emails and like to read a book. Once in the office, I check my to-do list, prioritising anything that has developed since I left the office the day before and begin working through things. My work varies from updating clients on the progress of projects, reviewing leases for a dilapidations claim, working on building survey reports, visiting site for inspections and surveys, attending project meetings, undertaking contract administration, design work on AutoCAD...the list goes on.

BEST THING ABOUT your role 

I would say the best thing about being a graduate building surveyor is never being bored. I get to work on a huge variety of jobs and definitely more than one project at the same time which means there is always something interesting to get stuck into. I also enjoy working with my team who are always willing to help me learn and support me through my studies and APC.

out of office

Outside of work and when I'm not studying for my MSc, I enjoy walking, Pilates and playing the piano. I also enjoy catching up with friends and spending the weekends visiting my friends and family that live in different parts of the UK.

wHAT DO YOU THINK OF SAVILLS AS A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT?

Savills is a fantastic place to learn and gain the necessary experience required to pass the APC. The support from the graduate team and the building & project consultancy division is excellent and I have been treated as a valued member of the team and given responsibilities from day one.