A career in surveying, with no experience - where to begin?

Question

I graduated last year with a degree in Real Estate Management (RICS accreditted) and i now want to start my APC. Every employer out there (that iv come accross) wants someone with some experience. i have none, but i feel that i am more than capable of success in the field. Does anyone know of any firms that would be prepared to give me a chance to prove myself?

Answer 1

Proving your worth to an employer when you have no experience or evidence of success is never easy, but there are a few ways around it.

Firstly there are many transferable skills that are applicable across job roles and industries. You could try taking on a temporary role in a similar function to try and give more weight to your CV.

Secondly, if it's viable, you could offer to work for free for a short period. This shows the employer you're really serious about wanting the job and that you're willing to sacrifice your time initially in order to get some long term gain.

Finally you could try getting an alternative role within the company you want to work for. Many positions are filled by internal moves so you'll already have a head start when the position you really want becomes available.

Take a look below at the totaljobs.com 'Transferable Skills' article and our new 'Graduate Zone'

Good luck with your search
Totaljobs.com Career Doctor

Answer 2

If only people with experience were hired, no one would have a job: that first opportunity in a field is always without experience. I suspect you haven't contacted that many employers... I'm guessing less than 20. When you've contacted 1000 (and I'm not exaggerating with that last zero to make a thousand), you'll find plenty who will hire you. I suggest an intensive mail campaign to 1000 potential employers with a powerful resume and letter of introduction. Be sure your materials are flawless... have more than one person proof-read your resume and letter of introduction. Perhaps asking a friendly college professor to help you word it just right (and be sure to list him or her as a reference as well). I've actually done this, so I can assure you it's a numbers game in finding a position... and it's not really that expensive when you consider how many contacts you'll be making. Try a goal of mailing out your first hundred in the first week, your second hundred in the second week, etc. You may find you won't have to mail out a thousand before someone finds you of interest. Good luck.