My Path to a Property Grad Job (No Formal Internship Needed!)

Hey everyone, I wanted to share my experience getting into a grad role in property, especially for those of you who might be stressing about not having a big-name summer internship or a year-long placement under your belt. I know that feeling of scrolling through job descriptions and seeing "relevant work experience preferred" and thinking, "How am I supposed to get that if no one gives me a chance?" The good news is, it's totally possible! What I learned is that employers in property are really looking for two main things: genuine interest in the sector and a solid set of transferable skills. An internship is one way to show that, but it's definitely not the only way. Here’s what really helped me stand out: First off, showing *active engagement* in the property world made a huge difference. I joined a professional body (for free, as a student!) which instantly signalled my commitment. I also made an effort to attend online talks and networking events – my uni careers service advertised some, and I found others through professional groups. Speaking to people already in the industry was invaluable, and sometimes led to hearing about opportunities I wouldn't have found otherwise. I even entered a property-related case study competition, which was a brilliant way to show off my analytical skills and understanding of the market. Secondly, I focused on highlighting how my *other experiences* gave me the skills property employers value. For example, my part-time job in retail might not have been 'property-specific', but it taught me loads about client relationships and customer service – essential for a surveyor! I also got involved with my university's entrepreneurial society. Even if you haven't done something like that, setting and achieving a personal goal (like training for a charity run or learning a new skill) can demonstrate drive and goal-orientation. And don't forget online courses; I did a short one on commercial awareness that really beefed up my understanding. And seriously, make friends with your university careers service! They helped me fine-tune my CV to highlight these alternative experiences and even did mock interviews with me. They also connected me with alumni working in property, which was a fantastic way to get inside info and even some informal mentoring. Finally, don't completely rule out informal experience. I reached out speculatively to a few local estate agents and even my local council's planning department. Sometimes, just a week or two of shadowing can give you so much insight and show initiative. LinkedIn was a big help here for finding contacts. It's all about being creative and showing your passion in different ways. What kinds of alternative experiences have you all found useful in your job hunt? Cheers,