Danielle Spiers, 24

Current department:

National Lease Advisory

Where did your interest in surveying stem from?

Through a presentation that was taken by a graduate from C&W, the event was held during the time when I was completing my A levels and just starting to think about what I would do having successfully completed them. The presentation was inspiring and I really warmed to the graduate who told her story. She explained the work that she was currently involved with and spoke about the type of firm that C&W was. The description of the firm and the role that individuals played within the various service lines all sounded very interesting and this led me to investigate the idea of becoming a Chartered Surveyor further.

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

The trainee surveyor scheme provides a route into surveying for people who come from backgrounds that would generally not come across the same opportunities as those who find themselves linked to property as a career due to family ties and existing networks. The trainee surveyor scheme was about breaking down entry boundaries and providing a flexible route into a sought after career, it provided a supported framework to achieve and formed a structured pathway into a sought after firm.

What were your first two placement like?

My first placement was in the Thames Valley Industrial Agency Team and involved a lot of face to face interaction with clients looking to lease and let units on business and industrial parks. It was completely different to Corporate Occupier and Investor Services which is a department which seeks to support firms and manage their property portfolios on a UK, European or even Global level. No two days are the same and the working day is varied and often full of spontaneous events, that can include client meetings, conference calls, and desk top research. I engage in a lot of face time with clients and then internal communication in order to refer work and manage clients expectations. I have finished a year in this team and am rotating to National Lease Advisory which will provide great experience for my APC.

You are studying your Urban Estate Management part-time and also working at C&W part time, how do you manage fit it all in?

It takes a lot of organising in order to manage the term time along with work successfully. Its important to keep up to date with reading and assignments and not fall behind with these as you find you will never catch up. Starting assignments early is also paramount, this allows you to make the most out of your C & W contacts and ensures that you can maintain a good standard at both work and university, also you will feel less stressed and more inclined to approach work and university life in a calmer more positive way.

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

Something which I have always lacked, which hopefully will come with time, and that’s confidence! I have a Women in Property Mentor and this support and guidance has really helped me build my confidence over the past 2 years. However a good mental attitude and a willingness to succeed is paramount.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

In five years time I would like to see myself as a qualified surveyor who is settled within a permanent C&W department. I would hope to have built up good initial contacts with a number of clients through my rotations over the previous years and be looking to bring in new business as a result and thus hopefully achieve career progression within my department. Ultimately my sights are set on partner level, although I realise this is beyond the 5 year time plan.