We sat down with Sophie Evans, one of our trainee surveyors to talk about her journey from intern to trainee, what she’s learned so far, and what it’s really like starting out in the profession.
What inspired you to pursue a career in surveying? I was partly inspired to pursue surveying through my family’s background in residential and commercial property which sparked an early interest in real estate. However, it wasn't until I started studying Real Estate at university, did I realise that I wanted to build a career in the field.
Can you share your academic background and how it led you to this field? I went on to study International Business at the University of Aberdeen, with the intention of undertaking a general degree without a specialism. It was during my second year that I happened to take a real estate course and ended up really enjoying it. This interest shaped the remainder of my studies, and I ultimately graduated with an RICS-accredited Master’s degree in International Business with a Specialism in Real Estate.
What was the process of landing your internship at FGB? During my final years at university, I knew that having industry experience would be beneficial when applying for graduate roles. Rather than applying directly to a job opening, my CV was circulated among several firms in Aberdeen through connections within the industry, and FG Burnett responded with interest. I was soon invited for an interview, which felt welcoming rather than intimidating, and shortly afterwards I received a phone call confirming that I had been successful.
What were the main tasks during your internship? When working outside the office, I conducted property viewings and shadowed surveyors across various departments during inspections, gaining first-hand experience. Within the office, I was responsible for maintaining the company database, drafting marketing particulars, preparing Heads of Terms, drafting Marketing Reports, and collecting comparable evidence which allowed me to develop skills different to those learnt at university.
What did you find most challenging, and what did you learn? I found the biggest challenge to be translating my academic knowledge into industry practices, as the full relevance of what I had learned at university only become clear in a real workplace setting. This experience highlighted the value of practical exposure and allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
What advice would you give to those thinking about an internship in surveying? My advice would be to approach the internship with an open mind and a willingness to learn. For me, it wasn’t just about developing technical knowledge, but also about gaining confidence and discovering my strengths. When you have a genuine passion for the subject, the experience doesn’t feel like work at all.
How did your internship shape your move into a trainee surveyor role? My time at FG Burnett as an intern not only built my professional knowledge but also allowed me to build valuable relationships with colleagues and industry contacts. When I transitioned into a trainee role, I was able to build on these existing connections, giving me a strong foundation to grow professionally without starting entirely from scratch.
What types of projects are you involved in? I am currently involved in agency disposal work, primarily within the office and retail sector, with plans to expand into the industrial sector in future. I have recently been assisting with office acquisitions work too. As part of my APC training, I will be rotating into the valuation and rating department for 6 months to gain experience across multiple disciplines.
How are you continuing to grow professionally? I am in the process of completing the Assessment of Professional Competence, with a view to becoming Chartered in Autumn 2027. From a social perspective, I regularly attend networking events through organisations such as Women in Property and RICS Matrics.
What are your goals as you continue developing your career? After passing the APC and gaining chartership, my goals are to continue to broaden my technical expertise and remain engaged with industry developments. I would also like to be able to support others new to the industry the way that others are supporting me, while making a meaningful contribution to both my firm and the wider industry.
For more information on internships with FG Burnett, contact: info@fgburnett.co.uk