In school, I always thought I would study geography. I had an interest in the global challenges that combined development, economies, and our surroundings. However, after several work experiences on rural estates, I decided to go to the RAU and follow my love of the outdoors and desire to protect our rural heritage.

I’ve worked at Dalcour Maclaren since 2013 and absolutely love it.

On graduation, I was lucky enough to gain a place on their graduate training programme. Four years later and I work with utility clients, am involved with infrastructure projects and organising access, and deal with compensation claims.

No day is ever the same and I have the RAU to thank for setting me up for such a varied and interesting career.

From a young age, I have always had a passion for property. At first, I developed my residential knowledge from helping out with family property developments. However, I wanted to support this with academic theory, and studying BSc (Hons) Real Estate at the Royal Agricultural University, enabled me to do so. The course combined residential and commercial theory, which appealed to me and assisted me to build a firm foundation for my career in the property industry.

I have always wanted to pursue my interests in the countryside and rural property, so the vocational degree courses on offer at the RAU really appealed to me. After visiting the RAU for an open day, it was clear that the BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management degree was the right course for me. It offered a wide variety of modules and excellent career prospects, due to the strong reputation of the RAU within the industry.

I chose to study Real Estate at the RAU because I have always had a passion for property and development. I wanted to gain a qualification that led me directly into a profession, knowing that there would be a career there for me after I had graduated. I wanted to experience student life in a rural setting as well as gaining a highly regarded qualification, the RAU allowed me to have both of these. The University has a prestigious reputation within the industry and also provides connections worldwide which really appealed to me.

I decided to study Real Estate because my parents are in development. Real estate on the whole is such a broad industry, there is so much choice as to which practice you can specialise in.

My time at the RAU has been invaluable. Reflecting on my studies, I feel that the practical elements of the coursework we were set was really beneficial when interning during the summer, especially in the field of valuation. Lecturers were very supportive and responsive throughout the three years, and the social side of the University offered a good work life balance.

My RAU experience

Studying at the RAU allowed me to start my career in Real Estate with a good foundation of knowledge to build upon in the work place but just as importantly a group of lifelong friends, many of whom are working in the Real Estate sector. The course provided a good balance of technical teaching and real life examples from external speakers, ensuring that as a student you were always exposed to the practical application of the skills taught at the RAU.

Why did you choose to study at the RAU?

The RAU was a convenient university for me to attend as I can commute. I expected that living off-campus would be a disadvantage socially, however I was proved wrong as there are constantly events and social activities to get involved in. At the RAU you are surrounded by friendly, hardworking and like-minded students. Due to it being a smaller university, everyone knows each other and the lecturers make time for you, you’re not just a number.

Why did you choose to study this course at the RAU?

I chose the RAU because of the fantastic reputation it has throughout the working world and it had been recommended to me by a number of professionals working for the likes of Strutt & Parker and Savills.

What is the best part about this course for you? 

I really enjoy how relatable the course is to work in the real world. When doing work experience I have really used my knowledge from the wide range of modules we do. The lecturers are also fantastic at helping you do the best you can.

Why did you choose to study this course at the RAU?

I chose the RAU because of the size, and quality of teaching. Being a more practical course, it makes such a difference being taught by lecturers with first-hand experience.

What is the best part about this course for you? 

Everything that you learn is relevant and preparing you for what you would do in practice, and the whole course is tailored towards a career. I have been so inspired over the past few years, and the teaching and support I have received have been second-to-none.