It’s Route to Rural Week, a week dedicated to showcasing the opportunities available in rural careers. To mark it, we caught up with Lilly Wilson MSc MRICS FAAV, Associate in the Rural team at Howkins & Harrison, who made the move from commercial real estate in London to rural surveying in the Midlands. Here, she shares what she’s learned along the way, from the skills that transfer well to the qualifications you’ll need, and why it’s never too late to make the switch.
Which skills transfer well?
Being personable and a good communicator always helps when speaking with farmers, landowners and key stakeholders. Negotiation skills are also key to achieving the best deal for your client, whether that’s a sale price on a block of land or an access agreement with a utility company. Problem solving and project management are just as valuable, as rural work often means bringing several parties together and keeping a project moving from start to finish.
What’s your career change story?
I went from working in commercial real estate in London to being a rural surveyor in the Midlands. Working in rural property has given me the opportunity to meet passionate landowners and farmers and help find solutions for their land and property in a changing environment. The industry also allows me to have a hybrid role, split between being out on site and in the office, which gives a good balance to the working week.
What qualifications do you need, and how long does it take?
If you’re looking to become a chartered surveyor, you’ll need an RICS accredited degree, either at undergraduate or Masters level. Following this, you’ll need a further two years of practical experience in a working environment, followed by the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
Another route is an apprenticeship, which takes approximately four to six years to reach MRICS status.
If you’re considering a more agriculturally focused role, for example in agricultural systems and environmental regulation, becoming BASIS registered offers qualifications ranging from foundation level through to agronomy.
What surprises people most?
You’re never too old to learn new skills or knowledge! If you can problem solve, manage projects and build good, long lasting relationships, then this industry is a great fit for you.
Some decisions in the rural sector may not always seem logical or commercially viable, because they’re about people, not money. Many clients are driven by what’s best for the next generation, and they value good judgement and reputation over qualifications.
Many people join thinking they’re entering an agricultural profession, then realise they’ve actually joined one of the broadest advisory professions in the property sector.
What’s your advice for anyone thinking of making the switch?
If you’re interested in, or genuinely passionate about, the rural environment and the world we live in both now and in the future, the rural sector offers a huge variety of work that you can tailor to your interests.
That could mean working on national infrastructure projects that require landowner collaboration, helping ambitious landowners with diversification projects in the leisure and tourism industry, or creating new woodlands that capture carbon and increase biodiversity in your area.
Get in touch
Thinking about a career in the rural sector, or have a question about your land or property? Our Rural team would love to hear from you. Get in touch or take a look at our current vacancies to find out more.
