Alpha Barry, 23

Where did your interest in surveying stem from?

I noticed that Cushman &Wakefield (C&W) offered a Trainee Surveyor Programme while at Lambeth College in 2006. The programme caught my eye and so I researched Real Estate and about general careers in property.

Why were you interested in a Trainee Surveyor position at C&W?

The structure of the Trainee Surveyor Programme was interesting and C&W sponsor me to complete my undergraduate degree and work part-time so putting the theory into practice while still learning. Furthermore, the career prospects are a real motivator because the program pathway plan allows trainees to have an idea of their future plan with the company’s support.

Talk me through an average day at C&W?

Well, this one sounds a bit tough to answer, every day is different! An average day in CWI commenced at about 8.30am with me checking through my inbox to see if there were any queries from the previous day that need addressing. The role involved international liaison to deal with queries and obtaining access to the Paris properties Database which allowed everyone to view potential properties available for investment as part of a new Retail Fund that was launched. Further, depending on the day the tasks changed. For example, I was in charge of the UK Deal Flow Database which had to be updated. To do this I tracked down properties introduced to Cushman & Wakefield Investors (CWI) either internally or externally from the introductions mailbox and added them to the database. These properties were then discussed at team meetings for potential investment.

What types of projects are you involved in?

So far I have rotated through Research and Cushman & Wakefield Investors so everything from researching international markets to monitoring the UK Deal Flow Database and administrating different funds. I have just joined the Graduate Programme and am now working in Valuation, so completely different again!

What do you think graduates need to succeed at C&W?

Determination, good time management, self discipline, hard work and a genuine passion for property!

Are you involved in any of the sports/social activities at C&W?

I am a member of the football team. I like socialising and football is a good way of developing my network both internally and externally.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Well, I’ll have obtained my APC by then so hopefully climbing the ladder into a senior position at Cushmans!