A case study: Building a career in the Built Environment
Posted on: 8 October, 2015
Steve Simms, Surveyor and Valuer
The Built Environment encompasses the design, construction and management of man-made structures – and the industry offers a multitude of career paths, whether in Construction or Real Estate. According to TotalProfessions.com, the wider Construction industry is one of the largest sectors in the UK, making up 10 per cent of jobs in the country. The recent ‘Future of Construction‘ report by Raconteur, predicted the industry will grow by 70 per cent over the next decade.
So it’s evident there’s room for great talent to grow within the Built Environment industry – and at CEM we’re proud to help people realise their potential within it; whether they be a school leaver, university graduate or already working within the industry looking to further their career.
For those school leavers who are considering a career in the Built Environment, or indeed for those who already work in the industry and want to know how education can help with career progression, Steve Simms shares his experience of studying and working in the Built Environment.
Steve Simms, a former student of ours, studied the BSc (Hons) Estate Management – now BSc (Hons) Real Estate Management – and gives some background into his studies whilst working full time in Santander’s Property Risk department.
Steve’s story
After a number of years’ experience within the surveying industry, I decided to make a serious commitment to seek a career as a chartered surveyor. I needed to find a way to obtain Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited qualifications, with the flexibility of not having to leave my job or move away from home.
CEM offered me a realistic and achievable route to becoming a member of RICS (MRICS). CEM’s methods of online tuition provided me with the tools to teach myself, enhance my skills, and be confident in my own knowledge base.
As someone who wouldn’t describe himself as a natural academic, CEM has provided me with a fantastic service. I am very aware that without the tuition and support supplied by CEM these aspirations would have been very difficult to achieve. If I could pass on one comment to prospective students it would be – however daunting a diploma or degree may sound, dedicate the time and you’ll succeed.
Steve is now a surveyor and valuer (mortgages) at Aldermore, a bank dedicated to small and medium- sized enterprises, homeowners and savers.
We’re proud to have given Steve the tools and the opportunity to progress in his career. For more information on how you can too, please visit our website or contact the Enquiries Team.
