Sam Vickery and Will Mersh are Lee Baron’s newest fully qualified Chartered Surveyors and Members of RICS. This represents a 100% pass rate for our firm and we are so proud of their achievement. We sat down with them and asked them to reflect on their APC experience.
Q: How did you find the APC process?
- S: The APC process was incredibly challenging but equally rewarding. There were stressful periods, but the more work I put in, the more confident I found myself becoming. Having the right support around me was indispensable, both in navigating the technical aspects of the APC and in managing the mental demands of the process. Ultimately, all the hard work and stress was worth it as I now am a chartered surveyor.
- W: To be honest, I found it tough. I wasn’t the most academic at school and so writing and revising aren’t my strongest aspects in life. It took a lot of perseverance and determination.
Q: What changes do you think the RICS could make to the process?
- S: Knowing that the interviews are biannual creates added pressure, knowing that you will have to wait another 6 months is a stressful thought. I believe they should be quarterly to help reduce the pressure and subsequent stress. Additionally, conducting interviews online makes it difficult to establish rapport with the assessors. In-person interviews would not only better mimic the professional environment but also allow for a more natural and engaging interaction. Face-to-face settings would also eliminate the risk of technical issues.
- W: I feel the whole APC process, which for me was 5 years as it included my 3-year degree at Oxford Brookes, all boils down to a 1 hour google team’s interview. They say that it isn’t a memory test, but in truth a lot of it is! Yes, you need to have experience and common sense when answering questions but a good prospective surveyor who struggles academically may not be able to reflect their skills and knowledge as well as someone who is academically superior.
Q: What made you want to do it?
- S: From a career perspective, the APC provides an excellent foundation that can really propel my growth in the property industry. Being MRICS opens doors to new opportunities, networks, and career development paths. I was also motivated to follow in the footsteps of many in my family who are Chartered Surveyors.
- W: I wanted to be a part of the largest institution of professional chartered surveyors in the world, and it’s backed by the King too! It is an achievement which you can be proud of your whole life and will be with you throughout your entire career as a surveyor.
Q: How did you find the support at LB?
- S: I found the support at LB invaluable through the process. From helping with my initial submission to mock interviews, everyone was incredibly helpful and generous with their time. The support network of everyone in the commercial team was essential in making sure I qualified.
- W: I cannot fault the support that I received from Lee Baron over the last 2 years. The amount of time and effort people have dedicated to me is incredible. I must give a special mention to Steve Isted who has been my mentor for the last 2 years. The knowledge and experience which Steve has is priceless and I am incredibly lucky to have met someone like this early in my career. Steve is an exemplary role model for aspiring surveyors. Thank you!
Q: What advice would you give to others doing it?
- S: Make sure you know your submission back to front, be confident and do as many mocks as possible. Try and get your submissions ready as early as possible so you are not scrambling around near the deadlines. Finally, make use of your support network, don’t hesitate leaning on colleagues or other candidates for advice.
- W: Start your submission early! Everyone warns you that it will come around quickly but obviously in my naïve youthful way, I thought I had loads of time. Be confident and never doubt yourself, it can be done.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
- S: In five years’ time, I want to have built my reputation as a knowledgeable and trusted Chartered Surveyor within the industry. I aim to have successfully brought in several new clients and to become a senior member of the team. I also hope to use the experience and knowledge I gained through the APC process to support graduates in their own journeys.
- W: I like Lee Baron a lot, I think we are in a great position to progress and grow over the next 5 years and being a smaller company offers opportunities to me which I wouldn’t necessarily say are on offer to similar people in my position at a bigger firm. Only time will tell.
