RICS Qualification.

[KingRichard]

Just found out that the company I'm with won't support my study, although should I choose to study off my own back, they will encourage it, as it could be of benefit to my branch!!

Am I right in thinking this is ing cheeky?

Before joining them I had approached several Surveyors with a view to becomming a trainee. Without exception, they all wanted graduates.

I am not a graduate... I didn't even finish my A-Levels. But surely to become a chartered surveyor, you need to pass a RICS accredited degree? Do they want 2 degrees? I don't quite understand this, as I can study for qualification by myself without one... is it just the companies weeding out the wasters?

Other than this, I am extremely happy with my new job. Should I continue and study part time at my own expense, giving them the benefit, or look for a new placement with a different company?

Any help greatly appreciated.

As always... Ta

[Big_M]

Hi King

I spent 15 years working in Estate Agency and also for new homes Developers.

It really depends what you want to do with your career. Do you want to carry out surveys and valuations on behalf of clients and building societies or are you happy with the selling side.

If you want to go the route of housing sales, then have you thought about a business management or marketing qualification. That will be of more use if you want a Directorship.

If you want to go into more professional valuations perhaps carrying out commercial or land negotiations then go the RICS route.

A lot will also depend on the type of Agency at which you currently work. Many of the 'old school' sort do prefer an RICS qualification, whereas the younger companies are content with experience.

Personally, I never took the RICS route and never found that it hindered me in any way - but then I liked working with homes.

[mutt k]

They are probably looking for people with property specific degrees; I'm MRICS and have a degree in Land Management. They are probably looking for degrees in estate management as found at the College of Estate Management in Reading or similar. You can have a degree in something not property related, but to get the qualification requires a conversion course and extra study. Try the RICS direct and they will put you on the right lines as far as what is needed to qualify.

M

[KingRichard]

Big_M said:

Hi King I spent 15 years working in Estate Agency and also for new homes Developers. It really depends what you want to do with your career. Do you want to carry out surveys and valuations on behalf of clients and building societies or are you happy with the selling side. If you want to go the route of housing sales, then have you thought about a business management or marketing qualification. That will be of more use if you want a Directorship. If you want to go into more professional valuations perhaps carrying out commercial or land negotiations then go the RICS route. A lot will also depend on the type of Agency at which you currently work. Many of the 'old school' sort do prefer an RICS qualification, whereas the younger companies are content with experience. Personally, I never took the RICS route and never found that it hindered me in any way - but then I liked working with homes.

I work for Arun Estates, Ward & Partners specifically, but you probably know them as Douglas Allen Spiro in your neck of the woods

what do you do now? I hadn't thought of a marketing degree or management. I would probably be looking to take on a directorship, or build my own chain eventually, but I'm also in the process of starting a property development company in my spare time. Hopefully to start with some fairly large sites.

Now I think more, a Business Management Degree would probably help me develop into a more rounded business leader rather than a 'one trick pony'!

Checking Open University now... any other distance learning sites I can check out?

Thanks


>> Edited by KingRichard on Sunday 6th March 21:56

[chrisgr31]

I am a member of the RICS and on occasions have to wonder why. It costs a fortune for little apparent benefit!

You can do a correspondence course or a degree course. I went the degree route as its a lot easier! A colleague is currently doing a correspondence course and goes to Reading for about 3 or 4 days a year.

Is it worth it? Depends on your future plans, and whether you want to be MRICS I suppose.


I am seriously pondering whether I should do a conversion to housing as at the moment I specialise in commercial business rates and future prospects worry me.

[Big_M]

KingRichard said:

what do you do now? I

I now do marketing & business development for a company of commercial landscapers.

I took a marketing diploma which enables me to cross over into different industries although I have tended to stick with commercial construction companies.

You could also try www.learndirect.co.uk - they have a national database of courses on their web site.

[KingRichard]

Big_M said:

KingRichard said: what do you do now? I I now do marketing & business development for a company of commercial landscapers. I took a marketing diploma which enables me to cross over into different industries although I have tended to stick with commercial construction companies. You could also try www.learndirect.co.uk - they have a national database of courses on their web site.

Sound Idea, I really prefer the sound of that to RICS, looking into their courses, I think they are going to be too specialised and focused for my 'Life Plan' Ie: make a barrow load of money and retire at 35 on a yacht in the bahamas.