My RAU experience

Having studied Agriculture at the RAU for my undergraduate degree, I knew the RAU had access to some highly valuable resources, including, but not limited to, fantastic connections to industry, some highly experienced lecturers who have real industry knowledge, and an expansive alumni network across all businesses in the land agency and agricultural sectors.

A highlight for me was attending a talk and Q&A session with Nicholas Maclean OBE, President of RICS, from whom I gained real insight into the workings of the organisation and the chance to ask him some fairly tough questions. We were also welcomed to the University and the course with a talk from Nick Moody of CAAV, who gave an incredibly insightful talk on the surveying industry, particularly on it's relationship with agriculture and the significant challenges that industry faces.

I really enjoyed the friendships I made along the way, from going to Tithe Barn and local pubs, to Christmas dinners and going to the races. A fantastic time was had by all and I'm lucky to say I've made a number of lifelong friendships thanks to studying at the RAU.

 

What I gained from the RAU 

The course gave me a strong grounding in property and planning law, as well as best practice as a surveyor and a better understanding of how agricultural businesses operate. In my role at Dalcour Maclaren, these are all important when working with landowners on infrastructure and utilities projects. Understanding the legal position alongside the practical impact on a working farm helps me see things from the landowner’s perspective and explain what a project could mean for them.

I am now a graduate surveyor at Dalcour Maclaren; a firm of surveyors that acts only on behalf of the utilities and infrastructure sectors.

To anyone thinking of studying this course at the RAU, I would say be open to opportunities, even if they’re not what you originally had in mind. Get involved, speak to people and try new things. You don’t need to have your career mapped out when you get here you should think of your time at the RAU as a chance to discover what interests you and where it could take you.