Chris
Reid

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

During my A-levels I didn’t know what I wanted to do beyond 18! It was through the Prospects website that I found out about careers in property. I undertook a week’s work experience in Y12 at an estate agent and that is what firmed up my decision to apply for the course.

I visited the NTU open days and was immediately impressed with what the course had to offer. The modern university facilities stood out to me compared to other universities being considered. Commutability from my home in Derby was also a major attraction to the city of Nottingham itself. Talking to student and staff about experiences and course content ensured that NTU was the place for me!

What do you think about the course staff? How do they support your learning and university experience?

The course staff are amazing! Having had a lot of tricky personal circumstances arise during my first year of studies, I could not fault the support that I received from my course leader, personal tutor but also more widely within the department and support services. Without the help and support received, I’m not sure I’d have made it to my final year (I had considered dropping out during my first year due to my personal circumstances faced). The fact I’m here is a testament to course staff and support services, both in terms of what they did academically and personally for me.

Have you been involved in any live projects of briefs on your course and if so, can you talk a bit about one you really enjoyed?

As part of the final year Portfolio and Fund Management module, we undertook a group presentation ‘’launching’’ a new investment opportunity. We had the flexibility to form our strategy and source our own properties for that. I enjoy the freedom we get as students in various modules to get creative and think about how we would act in the real world – as we would be doing in industry!

Does the “real” NTU match what you’d imagined? How does it compare with your friends’ experience at other universities?

NTU has far exceeded my expectations! The central location of the campus means you are within a few minutes’ walk of the city centre – which is great for anything I need when on campus. As mentioned before, the staff have been brilliant and so supportive during my studies. They care about the students and work hard to ensure we are equipped with the right knowledge and skills required to be successful in the industry.

When it comes to assessments, they are always relevant and like what we would be expected to do within industry. This has massively benefitted me in interviews and applications to talk about experiences gained on the course, alongside my experiences outside of university.

How would you promote NTU to potential students in 10 words or fewer?

A great city with an even greater university!

On Placement…

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

Although I won’t name the employer, I undertook a 12-month full-time placement working within Business Rates, specifically related to the Check, Challenge, Appeal process. I had a fantastic experience in my role and felt so supported in the company as I sought to develop skills and knowledge in property. Working 37h weeks has helped me transition into final year and provide more structure to my work approach. I have found the experiences gained to be incredibly beneficial when applying for graduate schemes. Having a placement really helps make you stand out to an employer when applying for graduate roles, so I would highly recommend trying to do a placement year. If you can’t get a placement, any sort of work experience (e.g. an internship) helps you stand out to employers alongside interests outside of university.

How did you source your placement? Did you get support from NTU?

A key source for me was being able to attend careers fairs ran by the ADBE department. It gives us access to so many employers and being able to speak first-hand to potential employers and network has been invaluable during my time. I hadn’t even heard of the company I was on placement at before I attend a careers fair, so it shows how much opportunity is provided to engage with employers through careers fairs and guest speakers in lectures. The ownness is on us as students to seek placement, but there is plenty of support available from for example the employability team if we need it.

What advice would you give to an NTU student about to begin a placement?

Embrace the change! I would recommend getting stuck in from day one and take time getting to know who your colleagues are.

Make the most of your time at the employer. Make sure you gain plenty of skills and knowledge you can use in your final year of studies. Most importantly, ask questions! Yes, you’re working for a company, but they are also there to support and give you skills and experiences you need to develop also.

Also, enjoy your annual leave when you use it. I found doing days outs/mini breaks really made me appreciate what it would be like working full-time in industry – where summers aren’t 3 months long! In addition, remember the importance of your own wellbeing on placement, so if you feel as if you do need a break, speak to your employer and if you agree to needing time-off, do so.

Finally, it’s important to make a good impression on your employer, so work hard and they may well offer you a graduate role at the end of it!

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

For me, I found this particularly challenging due to personal circumstances that arose. However, my advice is to not give up and keep going! There are various social events ran by the department, plus the Students Union has so many societies and sports club to choose from. I recommend checking them out as I have found my attendance at societies to have been a vital source of support, friendship, and general break away from my studies. As a final year, I am now happy and settled with my friends and peers on the course, which has made the experience at NTU even more enjoyable.

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

I am seeking graduate roles that will help me achieve my goal to become a chartered surveyor with the RICS. I’m particularly interested in Commercial or Valuation pathways as the course sets you up well in particular for those routes. I hope to be at a company located in a commutable distance from my home in Derby. But before then, I plan to enjoy the summer post-graduation!

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

As referred to previously, areas such as assessments and teaching in general is very geared up to what we will do in industry. It is giving us real-world experience and knowledge. This is massively benefitted by the staff who in a vast majority of cases have several years of experience in the industry. Having this sort of insight and experience with teaching and assessments will really help the transition into industry beyond graduation.

Advice...

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

Make good friends with your course mates. As part of the course, there will be group work. Even if you love it or hate it, you will do it at several points! A good working group could be the support and boost that you need to ensure you meet your degree aims.

I’d also make sure to have things to make you stand out to employers. I undertake local volunteering and it has helped develop skills outside of work/studies and good topics/experience to talk about in job applications and interviews. The employability team are great in terms of CV reviews and application support and advice – whether it is a drop-in call or in workshops offered by them.

Finally, seek support if you need it! This is something I cannot emphasise enough from personal experience. The course staff are great and really care about the students and you doing well. If you need ANY sort of support, there are multiple services and teams to help you. As I referred to, the support I’ve received during my course has helped to ensure I’m in a position now where I can look forward to graduating later this year and future career beyond that.