Kimberly Hepburn’s ‘Plan A’ for her life was to go to university and study mathematics. But soon that plan stopped making sense and she instead looked to an apprenticeship, as a quantity surveyor for Transport for London.
That was five years ago. And during that time she has started to make a real name for herself, including being highlighted as one of EG’s Rising Stars. To help celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and International Women’s Day, Hepburn shares her top five tips for joining the property industry as an apprentice.
1. Don’t be put off
If you are, your career will be over before it has even started. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about not only the property and transport sectors but also apprenticeships, which prevent people from properly considering them as options.
Some people think that the industry is only for men, which is definitely not the case. Anything a man can do a woman can do too! It’s true that women and people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities tend to be under-represented, but there has been a growing realisation, and action as a result, that in order for businesses to be successful, they need to embrace diversity and the benefits that come with it.
This is so important, as is the need for people to understand that being an apprentice means you get real responsibilities – you don’t just make tea for your team.
2. Be curious
I discovered quantity surveying because, while I was studying, my school was transformed in front of my eyes. I wanted to learn more about how the building had been developed, and it made me realise that I wanted a job where I could see the difference that my work made.
I decided not to go to university and joined TfL instead, although I still get to study for a degree as part of my apprenticeship. Even after four years, I still ask questions every day – people like to see that you’re passionate and eager to learn.
3. Learn how to network
It can be really scary to talk to people you don’t know. However, this is the best way of discovering opportunities and learning new things. What’s the worst thing that can happen? Remember, they’re only human too, and they might be looking for somebody to talk to.
I met my mentor, Amanda Clack (the past president of the RICS), through networking, and the advice she has given me is invaluable.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask
Whether you’re asking a question because you’re not sure of something or asking for some responsibility because you want a bigger challenge, it’s important to get the words out in the first place.
Other people can’t read your mind, and they won’t know if you’ve understood something to the best of your ability or if you’re getting restless because you could do your role in your sleep. It’s also flattering to be asked questions – people like it when they can offer advice to help others.
5. Remember to give back
I’ve been lucky enough to have so many exciting opportunities and projects to work on, such as the transformation of the arches at Wood Lane in west London, and a lot of these have been supported by mentors, friends and colleagues. I couldn’t have done it without them.
That’s why I take part in careers fairs and hope to inspire the next generation to enter surveying. I want to make sure that I am helping others in the same way that others have helped me, so that they can reach their full potential too.
Want to find out more about working in real estate and the different routes into property? Make sure you listen to EG’s Bricks & Mortar podcasts, available on the EG Property Podcast channel on iTunes, Podbean, Spotify and all your favourite podcast players.
