A day in the life: Anna Potterton, Graduate Surveyor

Background

My interest in property began while studying architecture at University College Dublin, which I started straight out of secondary school. My degree in Architecture was a valuable steppingstone in my decision to pursue a career in property.

After completing my BSc in Architecture, I decided that I would study the MSc Real Estate course in TUD part time, over a 2.5-year period. The Savills graduate programme offers graduates from non-property disciplines, like me, a brilliant opportunity to work full time while studying part time.

When I started in Savills last summer, I was halfway through a part time agricultural course called the Green Cert. Savills has been extremely accommodating with this in terms of getting time off etc - I am happy to say that I am almost finished the course thanks to their support.

Savills was always a company that I looked upon as an industry leader and so from the beginning it was somewhere I was very keen to work. 

Typical day

A typical day as a graduate in the New Homes department involves responding to incoming phone and online enquiries, arranging viewings with potential purchasers, going on site visits, assisting with various sales reports to update our clients on sales progress, attending meetings and liaising with purchasers and solicitors to ensure that everything is running smoothly with the sales.

Alongside the day to day tasks mentioned above, one very important aspect of the job is the preparation that goes into the lead up to a new development launch.

I really enjoy speaking to new people each day, especially when it comes to helping somebody find their perfect new home. This is obviously a hugely important, and often stressful decision and so it is great to be a part a positive part of someone’s journey.

What's your favourite thing about Savills?

Since starting in Savills New Homes last June, the best thing about the job has been the encouraging and inclusive work environment – I feel like this is created by the members of my team and the business as a whole. I felt immediately welcome and have learned so much about the department, the market, the industry since starting. 

Savills has many great social aspects and a busy social calendar. I found the recent brunch / panel discussion marking international women’s day hugely motivational and insightful.

Future Aspirations 

The Savills Graduate programme spans over 3 years. Once I have completed the master’s course in a little over two years’ time, I plan to start my APC to become a chartered surveyor and hope to progress in my career from there.

In light of the current uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 I am grateful to work in an organisation that facilitates working from home to the extent that Savills does. During such testing times it is reassuring to know that my workplace values employee safety and wellbeing above all else.

My most immediate aspiration for now, is that everyone stays safe and well as we navigate through these unprecedented times with as much positivity as possible. 

Anna is currently a graduate surveyor with Savills New Homes.