Mole Valley District Council

Name: Chris Bradshaw
University: Nottingham Trent
Period Worked at MVDC: 18th September 2012 – 18th September 2013

Describe a typical days work and any unusual work you were involved in

Due to the wide variety of work I undertook while at Mole Valley no two days were really the same. I was heavily involved in negotiating rent reviews, lease renewals and new lettings as well as creating development plans, inspecting vacant properties and conducting valuations. Equally I worked on some interesting and unusual projects, granting and negotiating filming licences for companies such as Giff Gaff and Barclays.

Did you learn anything on your placement with MVDC that assisted with your studies or subsequent employment?

Due to the broad nature of work I became involved in on placement I am now far better informed on a variety of third year work relating to all areas of the property sector. Equally my regular involvement in discussing property related issues with tenants and other colleagues has considerably improved my professional manner and ability to perform at interviews. The placement has also given me a wide variety of scenarios and experiences that I am able to draw from in answer to interview and job application questions.

Has your placement assisted in fulfilling your APC?

The placement has contributed a full year towards my APC process and I have achieved a good level of experience in both mandatory and optional competencies. This also means I will only need one more year of APC study post degree to qualify as a chartered surveyor.

How did your placement compare with other students on your course?

I found that compared to other students on the course I received a far greater level of responsibility on placement which allowed me to gain a far more detailed understanding of the work I was undertaking. Equally other students on placement tended to be focused in very specific areas whereas the placement as Mole Valley allowed involvement in a variety of different sectors.

Would you recommend working with MVDC to future students?

I would definitely recommend MVDC to anyone looking to undertake a placement, as the level of responsibility you will be given and the variety of work available sets it apart from other industrial placements.

Name: Hannah Yexley
University: Nottingham Trent
Period Worked at MVDC: September 2010- September 2011

Describe a typical days work and any unusual work you were involved in

The work at MVDC would be extremely varied. The main focus was on commercial rent reviews and lease renewals, however you would get a few grazing licences and I even valued some fishing rights! i was also involved with a forfeiture case, which was something I have never come across since. I also assisted in the sale of assets and got involved in potential development schemes. Needless to say there’s a lot going on in MVDC and you will never be bored!

Did you learn anything on your placement with MVDC that assisted with your studies or subsequent employment?

As Mole Valley provided me with such a wide variety of work across the year, it helped me understand the ‘real world’ and allowed me to apply this to my studies; especially valuation after assisting MVDC with their IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) valuation of assets- which are red book valuations.
Once leaving university the variation of estate management work helped me with my current job, allowing me to manage the estate with little help from senior surveyors. As you engage with surveyors and solicitors on a daily basis in MVDC, it provides a great learning platform for Landlord and Tenant law.

Has your placement assisted in fulfilling your APC?

The placement has contributed over 50% towards my APC and gave me wide level of experience for both mandatory and optional competencies. I cannot stress how crucial variation is for your APC and MVDC is the place you will able to achieve this should you want to go down the commercial route.

How did your placement compare with other students on your course?

From speaking to my colleagues, most were in the private sector, they did not get a great deal of responsibility like i did at MVDC. I was assigned to certain cases and was the main point of contact, and yes of course you need sign off from a surveyor but i wasn’t constantly watched and i only asked questions when i needed help.
And of course the variety of work was a lot greater than those on my course, they were mainly given one area to focus on rather than having a wide range like at MVDC.

Would you recommend working with MVDC to future students?

I would definitely recommend MVDC to future students. The main reason would be for the vast range of experience which will really help with your APC. It is also an advantage of understanding how a Local Authority works as you will be likely to have some dealings with one in a professional environment post university. Although you arent based in London, it’s not far on the train! There is plenty of time to work in London- I am now I have finished university and it’s not all sparkle! And finally, another reason to work at MVDC is because the team is fantastic! They make you feel so welcome and are extremely willing to help you get the most out of your placement year.