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Carys Williams

"I always wanted a career that would involve rural life and Harper Adams was an obvious choice."
Carys Williams at Rostons Carys Williams

I am a… rural surveyor

Working for a busy land agency, Carys Williams enjoys a rewarding and varied job. She graduated with BSc (Hons) Rural Enterprise and Land Management in 2012.

A passion for rural life was the driving force behind Carys’s career choice. As a Rural Surveyor with Rostons Land and Property Specialists, Cheshire’s premier land agents, no two days are ever the same.

The 23-year-old, who lives in Shropshire and graduated in 2012 says: “I always wanted a career that would involve rural life and Harper Adams was an obvious choice. My father also went to agricultural college and he encouraged me to consider this as an option for further education.”

During her placement year she worked as a Student Surveyor for Halls in Shropshire, a well-known and respected firm of estate agents, chartered surveyors, auctioneers and valuers, where she gained valuable experience in all aspects of rural property.

“My placement year enabled me to gain practical experience which not only was a great talking point in an interview but allowed me to put what I had learnt at Harper Adams in the previous two years into practice,” she adds.

In her role at Rostons, Carys assists the team of professionals in all aspects of the industry, with the aim of qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor by the end of 2013.

“I applied for the role through the Harper Adams careers website,” she added. “I was in charge of the Single Payment Entitlement Trading this year so in March and April a lot of my time was spent on the phone trading. Once that has quietened down I could be doing anything from negotiating a compensation claim to submitting a planning application for an agricultural workers dwelling.

“The thing I enjoy the most about my job is the variety. Every day is different and I am forever leaning something new. I also love the contact we have with the rural community. My degree has undoubtedly assisted me as without that I very much doubt I would be where I am today.

“Aside from everything academic, I did also learn that working as a team and being honest and reliable is important in working life and being part of sports clubs at Harper Adams has helped with this.”

You could be a Rural Surveyor if you would enjoy:

  • Assisting a multidisciplinary team of rural property specialists
  • Negotiating and agreeing compensation claims and sales
  • Drafting tenancy agreements, grazing licences and contract farming agreements
  • Submitting planning applications
  • Learning new skills in a varied role

Carys on Harper Adams

What is the teaching and staff support like at Harper Adams?

Second to none, particularly in my final year when I would spend a lot of time in the library or with my dissertation tutor.  The staff were always willing to help.

And the facilities?

Forever improving, whenever I re visit the campus there is something new or improved.

What are your best memories of university?

Living with my friends, who are now friends for life!

Would you recommend the university? 

Yes, not only do you have the most exciting social life and make friends for life, you are encouraged to make the most of everything and are supported throughout.

You spent placement as a student surveyor. Was the placement year one of the things that made you choose Harper Adams?

Yes, other universities offered a similar syllabus but none with the opportunity to learn first-hand on placement.

Do you think placement enhanced your career prospects?

Yes! It not only helped with my professional development, but assisted with my communication and organisation skills.

For more information on rural surveying, estate management, land agency and much more visit www.rics.org

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