Five minutes with… Amie Beacock, Assistant Surveyor

When and how did you decide to pursue a career in property surveying? 

I decided to get into surveying during the final year of my bachelor’s degree at Reading University. I realised I did not want to work in London, nor did I have any ambition to live outside the countryside. On completing my BA, I enrolled onto an MSc at Harper Adams University to study Rural Estate and Land Management.

What did you most enjoy about studying your Rural Estate and Land Management degree at Harper Adams University?

Having no prior experience in the industry I was very much thrown in at the deep end. However, I enjoyed learning completely new skills on the variety of modules. My favourites to study were the Law and Taxation modules. I also gained a huge understanding for the complexity of managing land, people and property, something I had also been relatively ignorant about.

What advice would you give to someone interested in following the same career path as you?

Be confident in your own decisions. A career in surveying can be so varied, especially working with a local firm such as Forge. I think as a graduate gaining experience across all sectors of surveying is essential as it gives you a clear indication of which pathway you want to take for APC.

How did you first hear about Forge Property Consultants?

I was very familiar with Forge but it wasn’t until I got chatting to a mutual friend of the company that I was able to undertake a day of inspections with Sophie Wall, and I never left!

What do you love most about working at Forge Property Consultants?

Firstly, it would be the team. We are such a variety of characters but we all work incredibly well together. I am lucky enough to work alongside Charles and Sophie who provide excellent guidance and are always more than happy to help, explain and tell me where I’ve gone wrong, which is the best way of learning.

Secondly, I love the variety of work, some days I will be doing Farm Business Tenancies, Land Management jobs, other days a Commercial valuation and Agency work.

What does ‘a day in the life of an assistant surveyor’ entail?

Every day is completely different at Forge Property Consultants, but you can guarantee there will be lots of laughs and excitement, and of course lots of work!

What would be your ideal property to live in?

A rural location with of course with some grass for Topper (my horse).

Why do you think Shropshire and Staffordshire have so much to offer in terms of interesting properties?

I think both Shropshire and Staffordshire are beautiful counties, each offering a variety of urban, suburban, and rural residential areas. They are both ideally located with excellent transport links to the cities, whilst maintaining the ‘rural life’.

As a keen horsewoman, what skills will help you succeed - such as performing under pressure?

My time competing has enabled me to keep cool under pressure, it has also given me meticulous attention to detail and punctuality. I also think that having to take care of something (a pet) daily gives a sense of responsibility. This is then transferred into the workplace, and I take pride in producing reports or meeting my clients’ expectations.

How do you think your love of countryside pursuits will assist you with surveying rural properties?

I think it’s the connections - Shropshire and Staffordshire are small counties, and when working within a sector such as rural property the connections you make both at work and outside work are essential.

Please contact us to discuss your valuation requirements.