Here is the next installment in our "A Week In The Life Of" series!

Hello! What is your name and where are you from?

Hello, my name is Ben and I live in West Yorkshire. 

Where do you work and what is your job?

I work for an Estate Agents as a Property Valuer. 

Please can you tell us a little more about where you work and the industry it is in?

There are lots of Estate Agents out there - there are about 4 on the street I work on! It is an incredibly competitive industry, whether you are in a small town or a large city. 

What is a typical day like in your job?

I start my day at a team meeting in the office. I check over my diary so I can prep for the appointments I have booked in - this involves researching "comparables" which involves looking at properties that are similar to the ones I am looking at that day and what they may have sold for recently. I then have a day full of appointments! I view the property, take measurements, and get to know the owner. I then sit down and discuss the value with them and encourage them to use the agency I work for to sell their property. On some days I also go back to houses to take the photographs for the listings. I also do the "write-ups" for each property which is the information you see on Rightmove and other property websites, as well as the floor plans. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Each day is different and I get to meet new people every day (and their dogs!)

Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study and where?

I went to college and studied A-Level Politics, Business, and PE. 

Why did you choose to study this subject/s?

I was good at PE and enjoyed it, I was/am interested in Politics and ideologies and I chose Business as I know I would like to own my own business one day and this knowledge would help.

Did you complete any other post-16 qualifications? 

No - but some people who work in my sector opt to take an MNAEA qualification. 

How do your qualifications relate to your job? If so, how?

My Business A-Level relates to my job now because I am able to work out finances and market growth statistics very quickly and understand the terminology and context. 

How has the COVID-19 lockdown affected your job?

I was placed on furlough for a couple of months and we then came back into the office and booking appointments as early as we could. As you can imagine we were really busy as people thought about selling during the lockdown, did some home improvements, or decided they wanted a garden/to relocate! The government also froze stamp duty so lots of people took the opportunity to not pay for that.

Please can you tell us about your "Career Journey"?

I first started working in this sector as I wanted a commission-based job which would mean my earnings would reflect my hard work. I am originally from Cambridge so I worked for a company there, and I then moved to Leeds earlier this year. I started as a "Negotiator" and then became a "Senior Negotiator", then being promoted to "Branch Manager" in Cambridge. I am now a Property Valuer.  

What would be your one piece of advice for someone who is looking into the job sector you work in?

Say yes to every opportunity you are offered - it all adds up in terms of experience but also your potential earnings. Working in this sector is either a well paid hard job or a poorly paid easy job depending on your outlook and your drive!

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