Like many students, I had a clear career path in mind – I was going to be a lawyer.
While still in school, I gained hands-on experience working for the Crown Prosecution Service, convinced that law was my future. But when my A-Level results didn’t go as planned, everything changed.
During the university clearing process, an admissions officer suggested surveying.
I had never considered it before, but the idea of exploring properties intrigued me. It wasn’t something I had ever thought about, but the more I listened, the more it seemed like an interesting and viable option. So, I took the leap and enrolled in a Real Estate (Valuation and Management) degree.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
To my surprise, I loved it. The course opened my eyes to an industry full of opportunity, and I quickly became engaged in learning about property markets, valuations, and the built environment.
Alongside my studies, I worked in a local lettings branch, gaining hands-on experience that further solidified my interest. In 2004, I graduated with a 2:1 and secured a graduate role with Countrywide Surveyors, setting me firmly on my path in the profession.
LONG-TERM PROSPECTS
Looking back, I often wonder why surveying isn’t talked about more in schools. It offers stability, variety, and long-term career prospects, yet many people, like me, stumble into it rather than aspire to it from the outset.
Despite its essential role in the property sector, surveying rarely features in career discussions and as a result, many students miss out on an exciting and rewarding profession simply because they aren’t aware of it.
INSPIRING THE FUTURE
This lack of awareness is something I’m actively working to change. Through initiatives like ‘Inspiring the Future,’ I speak to students about the career opportunities within surveying. At Countrywide, we offer work experience placements to give young people first-hand exposure to the profession.
Seeing the enthusiasm from students when they realise the range of roles available within surveying is always rewarding but there’s still more to be done.
Surveying is a diverse field, covering residential and commercial valuation, land surveying, property development and sustainability roles. Yet, many students never hear about it as a career option.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
We need to change the narrative and showcase the variety of opportunities it offers. If you’re already in the profession, consider how you can contribute.
Mentoring, school talks, work experience placements, or simply sharing your journey can make a huge difference. The more we talk about surveying and actively promote it, the more we can inspire the next generation.
We all have a part to play in creating a more informed, inclusive, and inspired future workforce. Let’s make surveying a first-choice career, not just one people ‘fall into.’
Rebecca Freeman is Director of Field Operations at Countrywide Surveying Services
