In any career it is important to discuss and weigh up the importance of education versus experience and property and architecture are no exceptions. We now live in a society where a university education is a pretty standard choice for most young people but what about those who choose not to go down the path of further education? Or those who have been working in a different career and never went to university but want to pursue new avenues? Is the property and architecture world sealed off to these people simply because they do not have a degree?
Studying is often important and can provide an enriching experience that enhances your knowledge and understanding of a particular field, however, with positions such as a property manager, an estate agent or a letting agent, experience tends to win out. Having a degree can be an added bonus to employers but ultimately when it comes to hiring someone for these types of roles the candidate’s personal attributes and experience within the property field are typically more important. The more experience you have the more you will tend to excel in your day to day performance and the less training you will need to be given by an employer. You can have all the qualifications in the world but if you do not have strong people skills and an understanding of the vital components needed to fulfil this role then you will not be as valuable to an employer as someone who does.
However, although it may not be completely necessary to have certain qualifications for some positions, this is not always the case and although experience is crucial sometimes so is a degree. If you decide to opt for a role such as a chartered surveyor or an architect then a degree is essential. These positions involve a huge amount of responsibility and ultimately when it comes to jobs that involve aspects such as designing a building or assessing if a building is safe you really need to know what you’re doing. To become a chartered surveyor involves a vast amount of studying including a RICS approved degree, a professional development training qualification known as the APC and sometimes even a postgraduate degree in surveying. And to become a qualified architect involves a minimum of 7 years of studying at university level.
So, your educational background is important here, but ultimately employers will also put a lot focus on your experience especially for higher paid positions therefore you have to have it all. Just like most fields if you have a strong educational foundation and a strong CV to go along with it chances are you will fare well in the job market. However, depending on what career path you are looking to take a degree is not the be all and end all; and just having a degree with no experience to go along with it will certainly not set you apart in today’s extremely competitive job market. Ultimately whether you’re a student looking to make decisions about your future career, someone looking to change from their current field of work or even someone who is already within the property and architecture field you have to put the research in and ensure that the career path you wish to take is a viable option for you. It is a competitive world out there in both property and architecture and to have the best chance of achieving your respective career goals you need to ensure you are prepared and have the relevant qualifications and experience to have the best chance of success.
Written by Rachael Gray.
Rachael Gray is a Director at Clifton Gray specialist property recruitment company.
Rachael has recruited within the residential property industry for fifteen years. Follow Rachael on linkedin or email rachael@cliftongray.co.uk to discuss current Liverpool and Manchester property jobs, or to find out how Clifton Gray can secure the best talent for your property business.
To find out about new property jobs in Manchester or Liverpool, or if you are an employer wishing to seek talented property industry professionals, contact Clifton Gray to find out how we can support you with this.