Navigating the global property profession as an international candidate comes with unique challenges — but also significant advantages. Here is practical advice from professionals who have done it.
Your International Experience Is an Asset
Many candidates worry that training outside the UK puts them at a disadvantage. In reality, firms increasingly value professionals who understand multiple markets. Experience in African or Middle Eastern property markets gives you insight into emerging economies, cross-border transactions, and diverse regulatory frameworks that many UK-trained surveyors simply do not have.
Building Your Professional Network
Networking is essential, and it does not have to mean attending expensive London events. Start with these practical steps:
- LinkedIn: Connect with RICS professionals in your pathway. Comment on industry discussions and share relevant content. Many hiring decisions start with a LinkedIn search.
- RICS events and webinars: RICS runs regular online events that are accessible worldwide. Attend, ask questions, and follow up with speakers.
- Professional groups: Join RICS regional groups for Africa and the Middle East. These connect you with professionals facing similar challenges.
- Your APC cohort: The people you train alongside often become your most valuable professional contacts. Stay connected after you qualify.
Finding the Right Employers
Look for firms that actively recruit internationally and have structured APC programmes. The major consultancies (JLL, CBRE, Savills, Knight Frank, Cushman & Wakefield) all have international operations and are experienced at supporting overseas candidates. Smaller specialist firms can also offer excellent training — sometimes with more hands-on responsibility.
Practical Considerations
- RICS membership route: Make sure you understand which APC route applies to you. If you trained outside the UK, you may be on the international route with different structured training requirements.
- Referencing standards: When discussing your experience, always reference international equivalents to UK standards. For example, explain how local valuation standards compare to the Red Book.
- Language and communication: If English is not your first language, invest time in professional writing skills. Your case study and submissions must be clear, concise, and technically accurate.
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