Introduction

For some technical roles,  e.g. land acquisition, surveying and planning, a relevant, accredited degree is often required. However, for exceptional candidates it is possible to gain entry without an accredited degree, with the employer sponsoring you to study an accredited Master's course instead.

A genuine enthusiasm to work in the real estate industry and commercial awareness are vital. Gaining experience and building your network is key across this industry, which is generally built on relationships.

If you're looking to gain experience

While some of the larger firms offer insight days and structured internship schemes, with closing dates typically around Easter or sooner, most companies expect direct or speculative applications. Where a formal internship scheme is not on offer, look for informal ways of gaining work experience. Local planning departments or smaller property firms can be a rich source of opportunities.

If you're early on in your career

For new graduates, property offers a range of professional accreditation routes and career paths. The RICS and RTPI accredited APC is the main professional development route, offering a range of different pathways. Graduate scheme deadlines are typically October - December. Specialist roles and opportunities with smaller companies are advertised all year round on an ad hoc basis.

If you have more experience

Career paths and opportunities are varied, so use LinkedIn to network with alumni working at firms you are interested in. There's a strong network within the sector, including GREG, the LSE's Global Real Estate Group, which hosts events and talks for alumni.

If you're changing career

While a relevant postgraduate course may be a prerequisite for some career areas, in others you may identify a direct entry route related to relevant skills gained in another sector, for example transferring your skills from banking across to a specialist finance role in real estate.

Not sure what to do next

We’re here to talk over your career plans with you. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at, so don’t feel you have to have it all worked out. You can book a one-to-one appointment with a careers consultant on CareerHub.

There are a huge number of different job roles in this sector. We've outlined roles that are often of interest to LSE students with links to where you can find more information. If you can, try to talk to someone who's doing the jobs you're interested in, so you can get a real flavour of what it's like. 

• Chartered surveyor – activities relate to the management, purchase, sale or leasing of land and property, as well as valuing and surveying property. Qualification involves completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The Prospects Commercial/residential surveyor job profile and RICS 'What is surveying?' page provide further information.
• Quantity surveyor – manages building and projects costs, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Works either for the client or the contractor. The role has a strong project management component. Check out the Prospects Quantity surveyor job profile.
• Property manager – involved in the general operation, maintenance, and administration of properties. Works for organisations that own or lease properties, e.g. retailers, high street banks and large public sector organisations like the NHS, etc. Property Personnel gives a useful overview of a career in property management.
• Real estate finance analyst – could work in-house, in investment banking, corporate finance or a specialist real estate private equity organisation. Role may require financial modelling skills.
• Town and regional planner – focuses on how towns, cities etc. are built, improving sustainability and community living spaces. The work can cover areas including planning policy, urban design, environmental planning, development management, regeneration and heritage. The Royal Institute of Town Planners (RTPI) provides further information about different roles.
• Transport planner –works on policies, projects and plans relating to all kinds of transport systems, including road and rail networks, pedestrian systems and air travel. The Prospects Transport planner job profile provides further details.
  • Project manager–delivering projects on time and to budget, roles are common across the engineering and property sector and are often open to a range of degree disciplines. Check out the Prospects Project manager job profile.
  • Planning and development surveyor–takes a broad perspective and provides clients with advice on development and investment choices. The Prospects Planning and development surveyor job profile provides useful information.
  • Housing manager – manages housing and related services, working for housing associations, local authorities, charities or private sector organisations. The Chartered Institute of Housing offers a detailed breakdown of different roles, and the Prospects Housing manager job profile tells you more.
  • Estate agent – values and markets properties. The larger estate agencies often have graduate schemes. The Prospects Estate Agent profile provides further details.