Creating opportunities for those looking to pursue a career in the property sector has always been important to us and is something we still get excited about today. We pride ourselves in providing the best opportunity for our team to develop the valuable skills and experience required to have a successful and rewarding career. As part of our latest recruitment drive, we launched some new opportunities for graduates across the business.

One of our newest team members is Dhakshina Pandurangan who has joined our Leeds office as a Graduate Commercial Surveyor. Our Leeds office was launched earlier this year to meet the growing demand for our services in the Yorkshire area, which Dhakshina is supporting us with.

We’re continuing to recruit for a number of new roles including a Graduate GIS Technician, so, if you’re interested in hearing more about how to get into the industry and what working for us as a graduate is like, read on… 

What made you want to start a career in the property sector?

Academia-wise, I have a diverse background in property management & management having completed my Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, Master's in Building Design, and a Business degree in Project Planning & Management in India. I came to the UK in 2019 to pursue my Master's in Construction Management and in International Real Estate Investment & Finance, from which I graduated in 2022 from Nottingham Trent University. My father was a chief engineer for railways development projects in Southern India, so I was able to see him working in diverse development projects from an early age and it was this side of things which inspired me to learn more about the property industry. I find the entire concept of what the property cycle covers so interesting – from conception, design, planning, and development to property management and much more, through to the different aspects of the property cycle.

Why George F. White?

My last Master’s degree gave me a good understanding of the property market as a whole and gave me focus on where I wanted to concentrate my career – for me, the goal is to eventually become a qualified surveyor. When I heard about the opportunities with George F. White through Nottingham Trent’s University Career Advisory Network I really liked the sound of it. I took the time to contact lots of companies, but luckily, I was successful with my application to George F. White, which is a fantastic opportunity as it introduces me to a diverse area of commercial real estate and work with experienced individuals, which creates a great environment for career development. I’m excited to start my professional career with George F. White, which is so well established and admired in the industry.

Tell us about any industry experience you gained while completing your studies?

I worked for Boots as a project team member on a number of different pharmacy projects. I did this for two and a half years – although this is unrelated to my current role, this position helped me gain a solid grasp in understanding the business model, and advanced management concepts alongside time management throughout my studies at Nottingham Trent University.

Tell us about your new role?

I’ve joined the business in the Leeds office as a Graduate Commercial Surveyor. My responsibilities will include assisting the commercial team in all aspects of services to promote business growth, which primarily involves valuation, lease advisory, property management, acquisitions, disposals and lettings. I am also pursuing the commercial real estate pathway to become a qualified chartered surveyor by 2025.

Do you have any specialisms or particular passions about your sector?

Of particular interest to me are the Valuation and Real Estate Management & Agency – they were a couple of key modules in my last Master’s degree, which I really enjoyed studying. Working at George F. White, I know I’m going to get great exposure to these areas, along with many more.

What are your ambitions at George F. White?

To utilise the opportunity and do well in my given responsibilities to support the business and client’s growth. Focus on putting my knowledge into practice, and get real hands-on experience in the following months, as theory and reality can be somewhat different. It comes back to it being a great opportunity to work in the field and understand technical differences and key improvements from experienced people.

What are your longer-term career ambitions?

Currently, I’m working towards achieving my APC, to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor. However, my overall objective is to gain experience and work within the industry, whilst contributing to George F. White’s overall growth in the property sector. It’s a real opportunity being based in the Leeds office, as it’s a relatively young part of the business, so I see it as a great opportunity to learn more, from some of the best people in the industry.

Lastly, what advice would you give to someone wanting to progress a career in property?

Firstly, be clear on what you’d like the profession to be career-wise. Secondly, apply for profession related entry level roles in the industry just to get a foot in the door. Then applying the knowledge from any previous studies or qualifications to get hands on experience in technical areas of their chosen profession will build confidence in that role. Lastly, gaining professional qualifications wherever possible will them in a great position.