Welcome back. Today I’m here at Macdonald & Company with Alex Moore, and we’re going to talk about everything early careers and graduates. We’ll be getting his advice on what young people should be doing to break into the industry.
Alex Moore:
I’m Alex Moore, Director at Macdonald & Company. I run the real estate services team and joined the business 14 years ago. Great to have Patrick here this afternoon to talk about guiding graduates through the early stages of their career.
Patrick Hodge:
Perfect. Firstly, what skills do you think young people should have that are beneficial for the real estate industry?
Alex Moore:
It’s a question we get asked a lot. Graduates have been studying for three years and are very early in their real estate journey—so where do they start?
Some basics include having a strong LinkedIn profile and attending events where possible. You’re already doing that, Patrick—I became aware of you through your content. Not everyone can do that, but there are many steps undergraduates can take to build solid foundations.
Patrick Hodge:
You mentioned LinkedIn—how important is it for young people and grads?
Alex Moore:
LinkedIn has been around for 16–17 years. When I started, I had no followers or professional profile. Today, it reflects the network I’ve built.
Many undergrads have profiles, but they only tell part of the story. People aren’t always showcasing everything they could. You need to build a narrative—create content, engage, and participate in the online community so others engage with you too.
Patrick Hodge:
Some people might not feel confident enough to reach out or ask for work experience. What’s your advice?
Alex Moore:
Start somewhere. Reach out to well-connected recruiters—we have networks, understanding, and empathy from placing graduates.
Alongside that, attend webinars and events. There are dozens of free sessions from firms like CBRE, Savills, and Cushman & Wakefield. Even if you’re not directly engaging, you’re building awareness of the industry and who to connect with.
Patrick Hodge:
What events should people be attending?
Alex Moore:
There are plenty—Surveyor Sevens, UKREiiF, PropSki, Real Estate Futures, and communities like Land Collective and WeRise.
A quick search will show just how many opportunities are available.
Patrick Hodge:
Do you think graduate uptake has decreased?
Alex Moore:
It’s becoming increasingly competitive. Opportunities are shrinking while competition remains high. That makes it essential to stay ahead—connect with the right people, attend events, and ensure your CV and LinkedIn profile are polished.
Patrick Hodge:
Is networking more important than work experience?
Alex Moore:
It’s a balance—you need both. Be proactive across all areas simultaneously. The earlier you start connecting, the further ahead you’ll be.
Patrick Hodge:
What about those with no connections?
Alex Moore:
There’s so much information publicly available. Use tools like Google or even AI to find contact details.
Make sure your LinkedIn is strong before reaching out. And when attending events, go with a friend if it helps confidence—you just need to take that first step.
Patrick Hodge:
What’s the biggest mistake graduates are making?
Alex Moore:
Often it’s what they’re not doing. They’re not researching enough or being organised about who to speak to.
You can’t just apply to a few big consultancies and expect success—you need to go above and beyond.
Patrick Hodge:
What about smaller firms—how can grads approach them?
Alex Moore:
Top consultancies have structured graduate programmes. SMEs and asset managers often work through recruiters.
Apply directly to big firms, follow up proactively, and partner with a strong recruitment agency to access broader opportunities.
Patrick Hodge:
How can grads go above and beyond?
Alex Moore:
After applying, reach out on LinkedIn. Say you’ve applied and would value a follow-up chat.
That level of initiative stands out hugely to hiring managers.
Patrick Hodge:
If someone said they want a career in real estate, what would you tell them?
Alex Moore:
It’s a fantastic, diverse, and rewarding industry with great people and opportunities.
Patrick Hodge:
What skills should grads develop now?
Alex Moore:
Find a mentor early. Ask for occasional guidance—you’d be surprised how many people are willing to help.
Also attend workshops, Q&As, and industry sessions.
Patrick Hodge:
How can Macdonald & Company help grads?
Alex Moore:
Through opportunities, interview preparation, and salary benchmarking—we run detailed salary surveys across the industry.
Patrick Hodge:
How can grads stand out in interviews?
Alex Moore:
Treat interviews as conversations. Prepare thoroughly—research the company and the people.
Arrive with thoughtful questions to drive discussion.
Patrick Hodge:
What about professional qualifications like the APC?
Alex Moore:
Most professionals aim for it. At larger consultancies, you’ll typically get structured support.
At smaller firms, make sure you understand who will support your development and sign off your progress.
Patrick Hodge:
Should grads do rotations or specialise early?
Alex Moore:
Rotations are valuable—you get exposure to different disciplines before specialising.
Patrick Hodge:
What about moving between companies early on?
Alex Moore:
There are pros and cons. Movement can broaden experience, but stability shows commitment.
Your CV should tell a clear story.
Patrick Hodge:
Do many candidates come from non-real estate backgrounds?
Alex Moore:
Yes—about 70% come from real estate degrees, but there’s an increasing mix due to competition.
Patrick Hodge:
Are sandwich years valuable?
Alex Moore:
Absolutely. You gain experience, build networks, and have a stronger story to tell.
Patrick Hodge:
Internships can be hard to get—any advice?
Alex Moore:
Be proactive. Approach smaller firms directly and offer your support—it shows initiative.
Patrick Hodge:
When meeting someone for coffee, what should grads focus on?
Alex Moore:
Go in with a clear objective and 4–5 thoughtful questions. Show interest in the business and identify where you can add value.
Patrick Hodge:
How important is maintaining relationships?
Alex Moore:
Very. Stay connected on LinkedIn, follow up occasionally, and engage in informal settings like events.
Patrick Hodge:
Are graduate opportunities increasing?
Alex Moore:
They’ve decreased overall due to economic pressures—but they’ll return in time. It’s cyclical.
Patrick Hodge:
Final question—do you reach out to grads, or do companies come to you?
Alex Moore:
Mostly companies come to us. There’s currently an oversupply of candidates.
Patrick Hodge:
Alex, thank you very much for your time today.
Alex Moore:
Thank you—great to chat.
