Alex Christmas

Property management

Alex Christmas
Placement: Domino's Pizza
Placement position: Estates Assistant

"NTU is a great university, with the real benefit of having a close relationship with many of the top property firms, which is excellent when it comes to finding a placement position. The University has a campus feel despite being so central within the city. The location proves to be useful when you want a break from your studies and a place to unwind, be it in the pub, gym, cinema or whatever else you enjoy doing with your free time.

"The placement year has been a real eye opener into the world of surveying. There's a lot to take in when you first begin, but I thoroughly enjoy the different challenges I'm faced with daily. Something I hadn't really considered before I began my placement year was the strategic considerations a company has for its property portfolio, rather then just being a base to hold staff or stock. It is a dynamic asset that can be manipulated in the best interests of the company that holds it.

"With surveying being such a broad career path, I want to try a few more avenues before being sure exactly where I want to end up. That being said, I think the journey should be as much fun as the destination. As long as I enjoy what I'm doing, and I'm learning new skills along the way, I don't think it hurts to explore different and new avenues of surveying.

"Following graduation, I hope to get employment with one of the top property firms who are willing to invest their time and knowledge in their graduates while finishing the APC assessment. Beyond that, I'm looking forward to becoming Chartered and getting those four letters R I C S after my name and taking an informed decision as to where I want my career to go."