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Property and the built environment

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The property and built environment sector, a £1.6 trillion cornerstone of the UK economy, encompasses residential, commercial, industrial, and public property development and management. For graduates exploring career opportunities, understanding key trends is vital.

Sustainability and green construction, driven by environmental regulations and demand for eco-friendly properties, take centre stage. Urban regeneration revitalises cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham with mixed-use developments. Technology, including PropTech, smart buildings, and virtual reality, is transforming property marketing and management. Addressing housing shortages through affordable housing initiatives and the growing build-to-rent sector is also critical, while remote work is reshaping office space needs, promoting flexible building solutions.

Roles such as property developers, urban planners, architects, property managers, real estate agents, surveyors, environmental consultants, building services engineers, and facilities managers underpin the sector, ensuring its growth, functionality, and environmental responsibility.

MyCareer

 

Explore roles in property with our alumni

Watch this online panel event to learn more about careers in property development, planning, and surveying.

The speakers, alumni of UoN, offer an insight into their job roles, entry routes and just how rewarding their careers are. 

  • Paul Clark, Co-Founder at Stories
  • Tom Van Willingh, Graduate Surveyor at MRP
  • Molly Wright, Senior Planning Officer at Blaby District Council
  • Arjun Takiar, Graduate Surveyor at Lamber Smith Hampton

  • Alumni: Email us to gain access to the webinar

 

Where could I work?

The property and built environment sector offers a wealth of career opportunities across both the public and private sectors. Whether you're drawn to designing innovative buildings, managing complex construction projects, or planning sustainable urban spaces, there are many paths to explore. Here are some key sectors and examples of where you can work in the UK, including Nottingham:

Public sector

In the public sector, you can work with local authorities like or national agencies such as and . Roles include town planners, building control officers, and housing officers, focusing on urban development, building safety, and public housing projects. These positions allow you to contribute to the planning and management of sustainable and vibrant communities.

Private sector

The private sector offers diverse opportunities with architectural firms, construction companies, real estate agencies, and property development firms. In Nottingham there is  as well as construction companies like . Roles such as architects, quantity surveyors, real estate agents, and property managers enable you to work on innovative projects, manage developments, and navigate the property market.

 

What jobs could I be doing?

Architect: Architects design buildings and oversee construction projects, ensuring they are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Learn more about the and related degree options.

Architectural environmental engineer (building services): Building services engineers ensure buildings are safe, comfortable, and energy efficient. They design and maintain systems like heating, lighting, and ventilation. Find out more about .

Chartered surveyor: Chartered surveyors offer expert advice on property and construction, covering areas like land, property, and construction valuation. Learn more about .

Estate agent: Estate agents help clients buy, sell, or rent properties, offering advice and managing negotiations. They need excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Facilities management: Facilities managers ensure buildings and their services meet the needs of the people who work in them. They oversee building maintenance, security, and services like cleaning and catering. Learn more about and explore and the .

Housing manager: Housing managers oversee housing services, manage tenancies, and work to improve housing conditions. Find out more about and explore resources from the .

Property investor: Property investors purchase, manage, and sell real estate properties to generate profit. They need to understand market trends and investment strategies. Learn more at the .

Property manager: Property managers oversee residential, commercial, or industrial real estate, ensuring properties are well-maintained and tenants' needs are met. Learn more about .

Quantity surveyor: Quantity surveyors manage all costs related to building and civil engineering projects, ensuring they are completed within budget. This role is perfect for economics students who enjoy financial management and project oversight. Find detailed .

Urban planner: Urban planners develop plans and programmes for land use in urban areas, considering social, economic, and environmental factors. Discover more through the and the .

 

What can I do at Nottingham?

Societies: Join societies like  for networking, industry events, and activities related to architecture, property management, and investment.

Nottingham Advantage Award modules: Enhance your skills and employability with Nottingham Advantage Award modules focused on the property and built environment sector.

Forage: Gain practical insights through in property and the built environment.

Internships: Use the to find internships and work placements, offering real-world experience and networking opportunities.

Events: Attend university and society-organised events to learn more about the industry and connect with professionals.

 

Where can I find vacancies?

When searching for job opportunities in the property and built environment sectors, it’s essential to be proactive and aware of your surroundings.

Keep an eye on billboards and signs at construction sites, which often display the names of the companies involved in the project. These companies could be potential employers, offering roles in various aspects of construction, architecture, and property management. In addition to this, there are numerous online platforms where you can find vacancies tailored to your interests and career aspirations.

Below are some key resources to help you in your job search:

  • : A comprehensive job board for roles in construction and property, offering career advice and job listings for graduates.

  • : Find the latest job opportunities in property and real estate, ranging from property management to development roles.

  • : Offers a range of job listings for town planners and related professions, curated by the Royal Town Planning Institute.

  • : Job listings for architects and architecture professionals, provided by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

  • : A recruitment agency specialising in architecture and design jobs, connecting talented professionals with leading firms.

  • : A recruitment consultancy offering specialist roles in real estate, including property management, surveying, and investment positions.

  • : A leading recruitment agency offering job opportunities in construction and property services across the UK.

  • : A specialised job board for property professionals, featuring roles in commercial and residential real estate.

 

Where can I find out more?

  • : Access webinars, videos, assessment resources, and networking opportunities. Explore topics in surveying, property management, and construction via their , webinar archive, and Assessment Resource Centre.

  • : Discover a wealth of resources for architects, including industry news, best practice guidelines, and networking events to support your career development in architecture.

  • : Learn about building services engineering, including the latest industry standards, technical guidance, and professional development opportunities.

  • : Stay informed with articles and insights on urban planning, real estate development, and land use trends from the Urban Land Institute.

  • : Read articles, reports, and insights on UK property trends and industry analysis.

  • : Enrol in online courses that provide foundational knowledge and skills relevant to careers in the built environment.

  • : Access resources, events, and networking opportunities aimed at empowering women in property careers.

  • : Explore the British Property Federation's resources and use their members directory to connect with leading companies in the property and real estate sectors, providing a valuable network for your career development.

 

 

Careers and Employability Service

糖心原创
Portland Building, Level D
University Park
Nottingham, NG7 2RD

telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 3680

email: careers-team@nottingham.ac.uk