Property and the built environment

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 Nottingham City Council or national agencies such as Homes England and Historic England. 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 Franklin Ellis Architects as well as construction companies like Bowmer & Kirkland. 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.

Architect: Architects design buildings and oversee construction projects, ensuring they are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Learn more about the architect role 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 careers in building services engineering.

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

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 facilities roles and explore market insights from Mordor Intelligence and the RICS Facilities Management Survey.

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

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 Investment Property Forum.

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

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 career information for quantity surveyors.

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

Societies: Join societies like Tongue & Groove and the Real Estate Society 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 free virtual work experience programmes in property and the built environment.

Internships: Use the MyCareer jobs board 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.

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Estates Gazette (EG) Jobs: A specialised job board for property professionals, featuring roles in commercial and residential real estate.

• Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): Access webinars, videos, assessment resources, and networking opportunities. Explore topics in surveying, property management, and construction via their YouTube channel, webinar archive, and Assessment Resource Centre.

• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA): Discover a wealth of resources for architects, including industry news, best practice guidelines, and networking events to support your career development in architecture.

• Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE): Learn about building services engineering, including the latest industry standards, technical guidance, and professional development opportunities.

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

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

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

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

• British Property Federation (BPF): 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.