Chris Waight, Cluttons – became a partner aged 29
What does it mean to be a partner so young?
It makes me feel proud that my contributions merited this promotion and that I have been recognised with this advancement.
Cluttons is committed to growing the business both here and internationally, so there are exciting opportunities in new-growth locations. With relatively few commitments in the UK, I am able to be flexible about where I am located.
What responsibility does it bring? And how many people are you in charge of?
I am responsible for business development around our commercial activity.
I have been working closely with the previous head of commercial, John Wood (now managing partner), his successor Jamie Eastaugh and the wider commercial team to identify initiatives to drive further business growth.
This means co-ordinating major tenders and linking those parts of the business where cross-selling opportunities lie. In terms of delivery, partners carry significant responsibility for their service lines and it is part of my job to support their business plan objectives.
Could anyone reach the level of partner by following the same career path that you have? Or do you think it is also down to the company you work for?
Of course, I started my career in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) with Cluttons for five years and was given “sink or swim” opportunities early in my career that I might not have had if I had been in the UK.
At Cluttons, whatever career path you choose, if you show initiative and bring in new business, career progression will follow – and that applies to everyone. Since the economic crisis, there is certainly renewed energy and those who demonstrate business acumen will rise up. One of the benefits of working in a medium-sized firm is that there is less red tape and more opportunity to get noticed.
What is your ultimate career goal, having achieved so much so young?
I still feel that I have a lot to learn and accomplish. My ultimate goal would be to play a key role in our international expansion and to eventually hold equity in the company.
Did you know what you wanted out of your career path from a young age?
I became interested in property at university when I got on the property ladder in 2003. I started to realise the value in making your assets work for you, leveraging up and rolling the equity.
I like how tangible property is, as opposed to the more abstract nature of stocks and shares.
What advice would you give university students who are looking to start their careers?
Push a few doors hard enough and eventually one will open. If you are struggling with the recruitment process and you are interested in a sector, I would find out the name of a partner and write to them.
Make sure your e-mail is punchy and eye-catching, saying you would appreciate a five-minute coffee to discuss how you might add value to the business.
Follow it up with a phone call and see if anyone bites. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Chris Wishart, Knight Frank healthcare team – became a partner aged 30
What does it mean to be a partner so young?
Firstly, it’s a privilege – being recognised as someone with the right qualities to reach the level of partner, irrespective of age. Secondly, from a personal perspective, it is a great sense of achievement – being recognised by your peers as a person who can potentially drive the business forward.
What responsibility does it bring?
Generally, the day-to-day responsibilities remain the same as any other member of your team. There is an expectation to represent the company in an appropriate manner and provide the best professional advice to all clients. There are added responsibilities in management of people and supporting other team members to progress and achieve their own goals.
Could anyone reach the level of partner by following the same career path that you have? Or do you think it is also down to the company you work for?
I believe that anyone who can show the right level of dedication and ability can reach the highest level obtainable, but the company you work for will always be a deciding factor in how quickly you achieve that goal.
I don’t necessarily believe there are set career paths that will determine your success and that is undoubtedly proven when I look around at my fellow partners at Knight Frank.
What is your ultimate career goal, having achieved so much so young?
As with most people, being the best I can be. I don’t believe there are ceilings on your career if you have the correct attitude and approach. My area of expertise (healthcare) is an emerging sector and one that has its own fascinating nuances, so strengthening and further building our market-leading healthcare team at Knight Frank remains my key focus – and having some fun along the way.
Did you know what you wanted out of your career path from a young age?
Absolutely not. While many enter property because of family interests, I rather fell into it. I also fell into the niche sector of healthcare very early in my career, and while many may perceive specialising so early restrictive, I have certainly not found this to be the case. I have worked at various companies and, in the main, enjoyed each one for very different reasons.
What advice would you give university students who are looking to start their careers?
From Knight Frank graduate recruitment in recent years, it is clear that the calibre of candidates keeps on improving. Standards are now exceptionally high and new recruits appear to be more driven than ever. There are benefits I see in working in large organisations, not least the levels of support and knowledge received from colleagues.
Having also worked in small practices, there are potential alternative benefits, such as the levels of exposure to clients and deals that these companies may bring. I certainly found that specialising in a particular field has not restricted me. Gaining rounded levels of experience and then selecting an area that interests you will keep you focused and enthusiastic.
To read more about other high achievers, see the 2012 Young Property Professional of the Year shortlist at www.egawardsevent.co.uk
