Apprentice assistant surveyor — Mysha Teladiya

After completing her A-levels, Mysha secured a degree apprenticeship with commercial real estate company Newmark. She works as an assistant surveyor while studying for the BSc Real Estate Management at the University College of Estate Management (UCEM)

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

I wanted to learn on the job and apply what I'm studying in a real-world setting. This pathway was ideal as I could work towards earning a degree while earning a salary. That way, I could avoid the financial burden associated with university, which was a big factor for me. Overall, it seemed the best way to build my career and gain academic knowledge and hands-on experience.

How did you find your apprenticeship with Newmark?

I discovered the apprenticeship on LinkedIn. Before I applied, I reached out to current apprentices and graduates to learn more about the company and the discipline I wanted to pursue. Their insights confirmed that Newmark was the right place for me to complete my qualifications.

How does the apprenticeship work?

My apprenticeship involves working four days a week at Newmark's office in Birmingham. The remaining day is a study day, which is online through UCEM.

Once I near the completion of my degree, or shortly after, I will begin working towards my Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to achieve Chartered Surveyor status.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

The balance between gaining hands-on experience and academic learning helps to keep me engaged and motivated. I also find it very rewarding to see how the theory I'm studying applies to real-world situations. I like that the apprenticeship route gives me the opportunity to discuss what I've learned with my peers.

I also really enjoy working alongside and learning from experienced professionals. My colleagues offer insights into challenges that a traditional degree would probably not provide. I also like connecting with other apprentices. It allows me to relate to others on a similar journey, share experiences, and support each other through the learning process.

What's the most challenging part of your apprenticeship?

The most challenging aspect is balancing work and study with my personal life. It can be tough to keep up with everything, especially when assignment deadlines overlap or work demands a bit more of your time. While I find it tough, I know that these situations also help me build better time-management skills and become more resilient.

What support have you received from the university?

The apprenticeship outcome officer assigned to me by UCEM has been particularly helpful. They guide me in tracking my progress and ensuring I'm meeting all the requirements. They've also been a great contact whenever I've had questions or needed clarification.

My lecturers have also provided me with extra support when necessary. They've given me insightful feedback through the forum, as well as during individual discussions. This really helps me to feel more confident about my studies.

What advice would you give to others considering a degree apprenticeship?

• Stay organised. Balancing everything can sometimes become overwhelming. It's therefore really important to prioritise and manage your time well. I find using my calendars or task management tools helpful for keeping track.
• Engage in networking. Make a point of connecting with others, whether they're fellow apprentices, colleagues, or industry professionals. This opens doors and allows you to learn from other people's experiences.
• Be resilient. The apprenticeship journey can be demanding. It's normal to come across setbacks and even rejection. But it's important not to let that discourage you. See it as an opportunity to learn and improve. That way, you'll keep moving forward and reach your goals. Persistence is key.

Find out more

• Explore 9 graduate careers for surveyors.
• Get the lowdown on apprenticeships.
• Consider an apprenticeship with Newmark.