Graduate profiles

Charlotte Gannon, 23

Non cognate – currently

Current department:

CMG – Business Space

Joined C&W:

September 2008

Degree:

Msc Real Estate (Kingston University) due to complete October 2010 BA in Geography (Manchester University)

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

It offered a structured training programme which is obviously important when starting a career. It came across as an approachable firm, particularly as it was one of only a few that accepted graduates without a property background. It's important for grads to realise that even firms within the same industry have a different 'culture'. Making sure Cushman's was the type of environment I wanted to be part of was key to me applying.

Your first rotation was in lease advisory in Manchester, how was that?

I rotated between Manchester and London was gave me an even broader experience in terms of departments and clients. Lease advisory is considered a professional service and it enabled me to improve my technical knowledge whilst still gaining an opportunity to meet clients. It was an excellent basis for my APC.

Talk me through an average day at C&W?

An average day involves being up to date with the latest property news, and any deals being done. Next might involve doing background research for the partners on properties we are pitching for. Dealing directly with clients certainly provides a sense of responsibility. The afternoon often involves inspecting a property with a client. Direct client contact and not being stuck to the desk are definitely perks of the role.

You are studying your Masters at Kingston and your APC along side your day job. How do you fit it all in?

It is very difficult but not impossible. The amount of support I've got from previous grads that did the course and my team has made it so much easier. I was apprehensive about being able to juggle the two but the help I've received has far exceeded what I had ever expected.

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

I think grads joining need to be committed and passionate about working in property. If they're unsure it's for them I'd definitely recommend work experience to confirm it's the right path first. You also need to be approachable as the role involves meeting a number of people either from other firms or clients.

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

Yes - a great aspect about C & W is that you can get involved in as few or as many activities as you like. Every evening there is always some kind of social activity either formal or informal going on. Currently I play softball on a Wednesday but I know there's the option to get involved with netball, tennis rugby and a number of other sports.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Definitely in Cushman's I hope! I'm looking to qualify in 18 months time and then hopefully within 5 years be an associate. It's difficult to put a time on it as everything is based how well you do as an individual; the ladder to success isn't based on a specific timeline. Our youngest partner was 28 so that is a target to aim for!

How do you think you have benefited from working in Manchester and London?

By working in Manchester I got the experience of working for a much younger office and many of its employees had been there since it opened, just over three years ago. In a smaller regional office I worked directly with professionals at all stages of their careers. This was a great business environment to learn in and highlights the nature of Cushman's and how graduates felt part of the firm right from day one. Having all the different teams in close proximity to each other was also really useful, particularly with any APC questions.Whilst working in the Manchester office I regularly had contact with people in the London office so it was easier to transition down for my second rotation.

What are the regional differences between your clients from Manchester to London?

There isn't a huge difference between clients of the Manchester and London office. There is a very close relationship between the regional offices to London and therefore the clients that are catered for tend to correlate.

What is the Manchester office like to work in?

The Manchester office has a great feel. Everyone works in close proximity to each other and as a result the office feels like one large team as opposed to a number of separate units. The office has a great central location and all the property firms are within easy reach resulting in a number of social events with other firms. In Manchester I simultaneously felt both part of Cushman and Wakefield as a firm and the Property Industry of the North West..