Coree Beccles, apprentice surveyor at CBRE, on how he got started in property, the challenges he has overcome and his advice for young people.
What do you value in people?
Honesty, integrity and kindness.
What do you like most about yourself?
I’m fairly laid back and consider myself a very friendly and approachable person. I also try to treat everyone I meet with the same level of respect.
What does your job entail?
I currently work within retail lease consultancy, which involves acting on behalf of high street retail occupiers, helping to advise them on their real estate strategies. I assist members of my team with rent reviews, lease regears and other lease consultancy work.
How did you join the property industry?
I came across a trainee role at a property development company and managed to secure the job. I was then introduced to the world of property, which inspired me to join CBRE as an apprentice to become a chartered surveyor.
What do you like most about the property industry?
We deal with tangible products that we all interact with throughout our daily lives, whether it’s an office, shopping centre or leisure facility. Everybody is impacted by real estate, so you can make a real difference.
And what do you dislike most about it?
The lack of diversity, as there aren’t as many people from BAME backgrounds, especially at senior levels. However, this is improving and will only get better in the future.
What barriers or challenges have you overcome?
I’m an introvert naturally, so sometimes I struggle in social situations. The real estate industry is very sociable and relies on building relationships, which I found difficult when I first joined the industry. I am slowly getting better at this and have tried my best not to let it hold me back by making an effort to get out of my comfort zone more and more.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Working with schools and colleges based in lower socioeconomic backgrounds to mentor students and give them an insight into the world of property. I didn’t have much guidance while at school, so I am glad I am able to give back and help attract diverse talent to the industry.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in property?
Learn to enjoy beer! All jokes aside, my advice is always be yourself, continue to build on your knowledge and never get complacent. Lastly, start building your network from day one, as this will hold you in good stead as you progress.
What do you want to change about the industry?
The lack of diversity at senior levels. I found it quite demotivating when I first joined the industry that there weren’t many people that looked like me in prominent positions, so I would love to see more black people as well as people from other ethnic minorities in these positions, so that young people from all backgrounds feel they can forge a career within the property industry.
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