General

Four years at NG: Alicia's journey from apprentice to aspiring Chartered Surveyor

Four years ago, I joined NG Chartered Surveyors and began a journey that has helped me grow professionally, build confidence and develop a clear passion for the property sector.

One of the biggest milestones has been establishing myself as a retail specialist within the Agency department. Managing my own portfolio of properties and developing strong client relationships has been hugely rewarding, helping me build both technical expertise and a deeper understanding of what clients need from their surveyor.

Alongside this, I have had the opportunity to support the NG Block Management team, where I discovered a particular interest in residential block management. Exploring different areas of the business has broadened my experience and given me a greater appreciation of the diverse opportunities available within the profession.

Completing a degree apprenticeship while working full-time has been challenging but incredibly valuable. It has taught me the importance of organisation, time management and resilience, while allowing me to apply academic learning directly to real-world situations. One of the most important lessons has been recognising the value of balance – working hard while also making time to switch off and maintain wellbeing.

The support of the wider NG team has played a significant role in my development. Their encouragement and guidance have helped me grow in confidence, and I am now preparing for the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) as I work towards Chartered Surveyor status.

Being recognised at the Nottingham Trent University Apprenticeship Awards was a particularly proud moment. Recognition was not something I experienced during my earlier academic journey, so receiving this acknowledgement was both rewarding and motivating. It also reinforced my belief in the opportunities apprenticeships can create.

My route into property has not been a traditional one. After changing direction following my A-levels, I began a Real Estate apprenticeship before later studying for a Real Estate degree at Nottingham Trent University while building my career in the industry. My experience shows there is no single route into a professional career, and apprenticeships can provide an excellent pathway into sectors such as property.

Looking ahead, my main ambition is to complete my degree and achieve Chartered Surveyor status. As NG Chartered Surveyors continues to grow, I want to play a key role in strengthening client relationships, supporting colleagues and contributing to the firm’s ongoing success.

I am excited about the opportunities ahead, both for NG and for the wider East Midlands property market, and look forward to continuing my development within the profession.