Sophie Davis
Free Office Finder has compiled a comprehensive list of different roles within the property industry, with a detailed description of responsibilities and what to study for each specific role.
A Building Surveyor offers advice on property and construction, as well as completing building surveys which identify defects. They then recommend repair and maintenance options. Another aspect of the role is working on the design and development of new buildings, which can range from modest structures to larger and more important ones.
What to study:
• BSc Building Surveying, or a postgraduate course in surveying if your undergraduate degree is not related.
A Quantity Surveyor manages all costs related to building and civil engineering projects. They aim to keep the costs of a project to a minimum and raise the value for money, while still maintaining the required standards and quality. Quantity Surveyors work for either a client or a contractor, in-office or on site. They are involved in every step of a project, and create reports throughout if any variations occur to the contract.
What to study:
• BSc Quantity Surveying
Land Surveying is a good career for those who have an analytical way of thinking, and who are good at reading maps and applying technology. Land surveyors measure and collect data on specific areas of land (natural and man-made) and assess land that is due for redevelopment. The term “geomatics” is also used to describe land surveying.
What to study:
• BSc Land Surveying
Technical Surveyors carry out tasks to support chartered surveyors, architects and engineers.
What to study:
• A degree in Land, Building Surveying, Estate Management, Planning and Development, Property Development, Real Estate will be of use for an individual who wants to go into Technical Surveying.
A Planning and Development Surveyor carries out research to advise clients on their development and investment choices. They advise on planning and development in public and private sectors, and take into account economic, social and environmental factors that help clients make informed choices about investment.
What to study:
• Many organisations will sponsor conversion training while you are employed if your undergraduate degree is not property-related. However, the following degree courses can help: Building Surveying, Estate Management, Planning and Development, Property Development, Real Estate.
Property auctioneers are specialised surveyors who estimate the market value of property and land for their clients. They inspect and investigate a property, and consider factors such as location and business. After advising on sales, compensation claims or loans, auctioneers organise and manage auctions.
What to study:
• Real Estate Management, Property Development and Valuation, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management.
An Office Broker arranges transactions between a company or an individual interested in renting office space and an office space owner. They help office space owners to advertise their space, and then make a commission when the deal is made.
What to study:
• You don’t need a degree to become an office broker, but you can obtain a CPD qualification for an Estate Agent Diploma.
A Property Manager cares for a building for the sake of the building and its owner. They collect rent, deal with building maintenance and any maintenance issues the tenants may have. A Property Manager may also be asked to provide site inspections and evaluations, renovations and security. They are also tasked with hiring onsite staff for security, janitorial, general maintenance and landscape.
What to study:
• BSc Real Estate Management.
A Facilities Manager is hired by a company owning and occupying one or several buildings, and cares for the company’s building.
What to study:
• You don’t need a specific degree or qualification to become a Facilities Manager, but degrees in business studies, construction, hospitality, management and property can help you get ahead.
An Engineering Manager uses the technological problem-solving aspect of engineering, and the organisational, administrative and planning side of management, to oversee the operational performance of engineering-driven enterprises.
What to study:
• BSc or MSc Engineering Management.
A Project Manager ensures for an on-time and on-budget end result by planning and organising resources and people. Work needs to be tracked to completion, deadlines need to be set and tasks need to be delegated to the project team, identifying any potential risks. Project Managers are responsible for completing project work in line with the plan, and report progress to senior managers.
What to study:
• You can enter into a project management career with a degree in any subject. Postgraduate study will help, but is not a pre-requisite.
A Structural Engineer plays a key part in a home renovation project and property purchase, specialising in the structure of buildings. They determine the strength and durability of a structure and are a key professional in the construction process.
What to study:
• Structural or Civil Engineering.
A Leasing Executive shows prospective tenants available properties to rent or lease, and answers questions about the properties. Knowledge of the real estate market is useful when starting out, and they are the face of the property owners.
What to study:
• You don’t need a specific degree to become a Leasing Executive, but degrees in business administration, accounting, finance or real estate will be relevant.
An architect designs new buildings, extensions and alterations to existing buildings, as well as advising on the restoration and conservation of old properties. Architects work closely with clients, making sure to match requirements and that the designs are functional, safe and economical.
What to study:
• BSc Architecture, or a practice-based route through the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
A detailed overview of 15 different roles in the property sector.
