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Surveying the Future profile: Shamas Khan

Written by: RICS
Published on: 21 Aug 2014

RICS Recruit meets surveyor Shamas Khan as part of the Surveying the Future campaign. Shamas now works for Colliers International in Saudi Arabia.

Shamas KhanTell us about your pathway into surveying.  Did you study an accredited course at university? 

I studied Real Estate Management (BSc) at Nottingham Trent University and graduated in 2009 with a 2:1. I became interested in the course and the pathway to becoming an RICS surveyor through attending a careers fair at Nottingham Trent University, where leading international firms provided presentations on the role of a surveyor and the many functions within the profession.

How did you find out about your current employer?

I successfully landed a placement position with CBRE in the Prague office during my sandwich year at university. This helped lead onto an internship at CBRE in London upon graduation, and I later successfully interviewed for the graduate scheme. I worked at CBRE from 2010-2014 and recently left to join Colliers International in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after being approached by a recruitment agent. The opportunities for promotion, the complexity of the projects, tax free income and overall lifestyle were all important factors.

What do you like most about surveying?

I enjoy the combination of desk based work and being out in the field. I also particularly enjoy studying and evaluating property as an investment asset as it is tangible, unlike other assets such as stocks and bonds.

How did it feel to pass your APC and become chartered?

It was great to pass my APC and become a chartered surveyor, not least because of the intense studying required to pass in the first place, but also the opportunities that open up once you do complete the APC and the job security thereafter.

Would you recommend a career in surveying to young people?

I would definitely recommend a career in surveying to young people. I would particularly like to see more students from ethnic backgrounds follow a career in surveying as I feel we are massively underrepresented in the profession.

 

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