From Graduate to Rural Surveyor

In an ever-changing world, the role of rural surveyors has become increasingly vital and fascinating. Rural Surveyors shape landscapes by managing farmland, estates, and complex property transactions. In this blog, we chat with some H&H team members about their paths to becoming rural surveyors.

Susannah Leadham BSc (Hons) Graduate Surveyor:

Having grown up on a farm, I knew that I wanted to work in the rural sector. I was always aware of Howkins & Harrison as a well-respected firm in the local area and, having always had a strong interest in land and property from a young age, I hoped to one day work at the company.

During my Rural Enterprise and Land Management degree at Harper Adams University, I completed my placement year with Howkins & Harrison. This invaluable experience allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge from lectures into real-life surveying scenarios, providing deep insight into the profession. Returning for my final year, I noticed a significant improvement in my understanding, confirming the value of my placement. Excited about the chance to come back as a graduate surveyor the next year, I happily accepted.
I enjoy the diverse range of tasks in my job because no two days are alike. This variety provides me with valuable experience, which will greatly benefit me when I undertake my APC and CAAV exams. My responsibilities span across property agency, valuations, planning, and tenancy matters.

Anna Robinson BSc (Hons) Graduate Surveyor:

In 2018, I began my journey to become a rural surveyor at Harper Adams University, studying Rural Enterprise and Land Management. Property always interested me, thanks to my mother who was a commercial surveyor. Yet, the rural lifestyle also appealed to me. After two years at university and gaining industry experience, I realised my passion lies in estate management. So, in my final year, I switched to Rural Property Management.

After graduating in 2022, I joined Howkins & Harrison as a Graduate Rural Surveyor, focusing on estate management at Kelmarsh Hall. I’ve enjoyed learning how rural estates are managed and building relationships with tenants and contractors. Each day brings new challenges, helping me broaden my knowledge. I aim to pass my APC and CAAV exams next year!

Philippa Dewes BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV Rural Surveyor:

I always knew I wanted to work with farmers, I just didn’t know in which capacity. It wasn’t until I was studying Agriculture at Moulton College in Northamptonshire that I realised I could become a surveyor and advise farmers on matters concerning their land. From here, I gained work experience with a surveying firm and learnt about courses on offer at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU). 

As a farmer’s daughter, Howkins & Harrison had always been on my radar as a respectable local company, yet I never imagined I would have the opportunity to work for them. In 2020, I graduated from the RAU and became a Graduate Surveyor at Howkins & Harrison’s Atherstone office. Now the real work started, from tenancy agreements, HS2 work, valuation, property sales, Basic Payment Scheme, and Countryside Stewardship applications.

This experience gave me a great insight into rural communities and the industry. Additionally, it encouraged me to work towards becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which I see as my next step. A lot of work went into these first two years to develop my knowledge with the help of more experienced surveyors within the firm and assist the farmers with the services they required. In October 2022, I sat my exams to become a member of the RICS and passed!

Deciding to become a surveyor was definitely the right choice for me and is in an industry I enjoy being part of. Whenever a client is happy with what we have done for them, it always brings a smile to my face and makes me happy to be doing what I love.

A career with Howkins & Harrison:

If you wish to discuss a future career in rural surveying with Howkins & Harrison, please contact Tim Howard on 01788 564680. Alternatively, please email your CV and covering letter to hr@howkinsandharrison.co.uk.

View our current vacancies here: https://howkinsandharrison.co.uk/work-with-us/