Erin. Graduate Planning Consultant - Real Estate

Erin is a twenty-four-year old Graduate Planning Consultant from Reading. She has been in the Real Estate industry for a year.

How did you get into your field? What inspired you?

‘I have always taken an interest in the built environment around me and how the regeneration of places can help to create new sustainable, vibrant communities. I conducted both my undergraduate and masters dissertation in this field and at that point realised i wanted to work in this field longer term.’

What did you study at university and did this help you get into your field?

‘I studied BA (Hons) Geography at Nottingham for my undergraduate degree, and then I did a Masters in Spatial Planning and Development at Reading. Nottingham helped me to build the foundations for my original interest and my Masters at Reading then enabled me to develop a deeper understanding of the real estate industry. It was my time at Reading that helped connect me with the top firms and leading industry contacts that got me where I am today.’

Do you recommend any particular studies, courses or degrees for your field?

‘Yes! For anyone looking to enter the real estate industry, Henley Business School at the University of Reading is the best place to go. It is world renowned for its real estate courses and the university is linked closely to the top firms in the industry, giving you invaluable opportunities to meet experts within the field.’

What does an average day look like in your role?

‘My average day is mixed. I will often be out of the office doing site visits, which involves inspecting buildings that clients are seeking to redevelop or having meetings with local authorities to assess the development potential of sites. Other parts of my day may be desk based, writing reports or submitting planning applications for development schemes I'm working on.’

What is the best part of your role?

‘The variety - no two days or projects are the same. My work is mainly Central London based but the breadth of projects i get to work on is vast. Seeing buildings and exciting projects come to life that you've played a role in materialising is pretty cool!’

What is the worst part of your role?

‘Working in an industry that is still heavily male dominated. Although this is starting to change, it's weird walking into meetings and being the only woman in a room full of 20 men. I like to think that I'm part of the generation that's trying to change that, but it can be difficult in this day and age when people still value a man’s opinion more highly than a woman’s!’

How important is work/life balance to you and how much spare time do you have?

‘Work/life balance is key. Work is important but being happy and healthy is even more important. I like to think I have the right amount of spare time - I don't work at the weekends and try not to stay too late at work during the week and use my spare time to exercise and see friends and family.’

Do you have any hobbies?

‘My main hobby is netball. I played throughout uni and have made sure to continue playing since moving to London and starting full time work. It helps to keep me fit and healthy, gives me something to look forward to every week and is such a great way to socialise with friends and teammates.’

Do you have any advice for people looking to start a career in the same field?

‘Work experience is very important - even if it’s just a week working at a firm! It gives you lots of things you can talk about in interviews. It's also important to try and attend any networking events open to you with firms that are looking to recruit. Getting your face and your name out there goes a long way in the recruitment process - one good conversation with someone can be the difference between getting a job or losing it! Lastly, property is a people industry so firms are looking for personality and confidence.’

Have you ever experienced any uncertainties about your career? If so, what did you do to overcome them?

‘I graduated from my undergraduate degree at Nottingham not fully knowing the next path I wanted to take. I ended up in a job in PR for a year, and whilst it wasn't for me in the end, it led me to where i am now. I didn't realise it at the time but the experience I gained from my year in PR (working with clients, communication, time management skills etc) gave me invaluable transferable skills that helped me get the role I am in today. Trust in the process!’

Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?

‘Sounds silly but my mum! She has never stopped believing in me and has always given me the confidence and support I have needed at every stage along my journey, even when things have been difficult. She has brought me up to understand that I am an equal to any man in my life, and that has ensured that I continue to advocate that in my own life and my career.’