At 34, I may not be what people first picture when they think of a graduate. I joined Vickery Holman in October 2024 after spending around ten years working in the property industry, primarily in residential property management.
My route into commercial property has not been conventional. Before starting my property career, I completed a degree in special effects make-up, a subject entirely unrelated to the master’s degree in Real Estate I am studying today. However, it helped me develop transferable skills such as creativity, attention to detail, organisation and the ability to work under pressure.
Moving into Commercial Property
During my time in residential property, I developed a strong foundation in property management, client communication and problem-solving. When I joined Vickery Holman, I was ready to build on that experience and take the next step into commercial property.
The transition has required me to step outside my comfort zone and recognise that, despite having ten years of experience in the wider property industry, I still have a great deal to learn. At the same time, it has allowed me to contribute my existing skills while developing my technical knowledge and professional confidence.
Returning to Academic Study
Returning to study in my thirties initially felt daunting, but being a mature student also has advantages. I have practical experience to draw on and a clearer understanding of where I would like my career to go.
My experience helps me relate the academic theory from my master’s degree to situations I encounter at work. This gives the course material greater context and helps me understand how it can be applied in practice.
My journey has shown me that there is no set age or single route for developing your career. Returning to postgraduate study has allowed me to build on my previous experience while gaining the academic knowledge and professional qualifications needed for my next step.
Managing a Commercial Property Portfolio
I currently work in a fee-earning role alongside my studies, managing a portfolio of commercial properties. This involves balancing the requirements of different clients, tenants, properties and contractors.
Property management is unpredictable, and no two days are the same. I may start the day with a carefully planned list of tasks, only for an urgent maintenance issue, tenant query or client request to change my priorities. This means continually assessing what requires immediate attention while ensuring longer-term responsibilities continue to progress.
The role has strengthened my time-management, organisational and decision-making skills. It has also taught me to remain adaptable and calm when unexpected situations arise.
Learning from Supportive Colleagues
When I joined Vickery Holman, I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to further my knowledge and become a Chartered Surveyor through the Government’s Apprenticeship Scheme. As part of the apprenticeship I am undertaking an MSc in Real Estate through the University of the Built Environment and undertaking my RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). One of the things I have valued most since joining Vickery Holman is having supportive and approachable colleagues around me. Moving into commercial property has involved learning new terminology, legislation and ways of working, so being able to ask questions without feeling that I should already know the answer has been extremely helpful.
My colleagues explain not only how something is done but also the reasoning behind it. Conversations with experienced colleagues can make a complex subject much clearer and help me connect the theory from my studies with real situations at work. As my experience grows, I am becoming more confident in making decisions independently while knowing that support is available when I need it.
Vickery Holman also gives me dedicated study time away from my usual responsibilities each week. This protected time is extremely valuable and makes it more manageable to combine a fee-earning role with a master’s degree and my APC. Balancing work and study still requires commitment and careful planning, but the support of the company and my colleagues makes a real difference.
Looking Ahead
My long-term goal is to complete my master’s degree and APC, combining these qualifications with the practical experience I am gaining at Vickery Holman. Ultimately, I want to develop the knowledge and professional judgement needed to give my clients the best possible advice and service.
A degree in special effects make-up may seem a long way from commercial property management, but careers do not always follow a straight path. Changing direction led me to an industry in which I have now worked for a decade, and returning to university in my thirties is simply the next stage of that journey.
For anyone considering returning to education, changing careers or moving from residential to commercial property, my advice would be not to let your age or previous academic background hold you back. The experience you already have is valuable, even if it comes from a different sector. Be willing to ask questions, learn from those around you and take opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone.
