Prior to starting at Knight Frank in September 2008 and having been awarded a place
on its bursary scheme, I attended Reading University to undergo a one year full
time MSc in Real Estate and Finance.
The assessment for the bursary scheme followed the same structure as the main graduate
recruitment process, incorporating a holistic series of interviews assessing both
the individual character of a candidate, as well as their technical and academic
competencies. The assessment started with a unique first round interview held over
a buffet lunch attended by existing KF Partners and the applicants. This method
allowed Knight Frank to evaluate the interpersonal skills and deportment of applicants
in a daunting situation, both of which are considered extremely valuable in the
highly personable world of commercial property.
The final rounds saw a more traditional interview process with a series of technical
and competency based interviews that included a presentation on a property related
topic of my choice.
The Knight Frank graduate training scheme is well respected amongst its industry
peers. It is structured around four, six month rotations, aiding the development
of the graduate's surveying experience and competencies. Given the eclectic nature of commercial
property, such a system also offers graduates the chance to taste the various departments
and opportunities available in the future.
My first rotation was in Office Agency, which required an extrovert day to day approach,
developing my commercial acumen through both the interaction within the occupier
market and client rapport and negotiation. My second rotation in Landlord and Tenant,
allowed me to see a more technical side of property, teaching me the intricacies
of leases in the rent review and lease renewal process which underpins all work
involving commercial property.
Throughout my training, Knight Frank and its staff have offered significant support
and direction, as the firm prides itself in achieving organic growth. A well structured
APC training programme is in place, reinforced by accessible and objective guidance.
This programme is topped off by a number of internal and external training courses
and seminars, further aiding my professional development, an aspect promoted by
Knight Frank and not seen among many of its competitors.
My time to date at Knight Frank has been exciting and rewarding. The friendly and
competitive nature of the firm generates an enjoyable yet diligent atmosphere, emphasised
by a number of extra curricular events such as the Surveyor Rugby 7s and the annual
Residential Vs Commercial cricket match to name two.
Graduate life at Knight Frank is highly commendable, and with the firm's preference
of growing organically, graduates are made to feel a valuable and respected part
of the Company from their very first day.
Nick Cripps is now a permanent surveyor in our commercial investment department.
I joined Knight Frank in September 2009 having completed a full time MSc in Real Estate at the University of Reading. Prior to this I spent three years studying Theology at the University of Durham.
My application process to Knight Frank began in advance of the graduate programme with an application to the Internship Scheme; a very worthwhile way of learning more about Real Estate in general and Knight Frank specifically. The internship itself takes the form of approximately one month working for the Firm, and provides a structured, professional experience that offers potential graduates a fuller understanding of day to day work at Knight Frank.
The graduate recruitment process begins with a first round interview which was conducted by an existing partner that focuses on the applicant’s experience, personality and interpersonal skills. Applicants that are successful in the first round interview are subsequently invited back to a second stage that consists of a series of interviews, a group exercise and a presentation on a property topic of your choice before culminating in a lunch with senior members of the Knight Frank staff. This broad process is unique in the industry, allowing applicants to demonstrate the range of skills required in a multi-faceted real estate firm whilst emphasising the partnership structure that is one of Knight Frank’s greatest strengths.
The Knight Frank graduate scheme itself is one of the most highly respected in the industry. Based around four six month rotations the scheme gives graduates the opportunity to experience different departments of Knight Frank whilst collecting the necessary APC experience and competencies. Current graduate pass rates for the APC are 95%, demonstrating the quality of training on offer throughout the two year period.
My first, and subsequently second rotations have been in the City Department, gaining 6 months experience with the City Investment team, followed by 6 months within the Development Team. This enabled me to interact with clients and agents in one of the most fast-paced and high profile markets in the world, and has been a hugely exciting introduction to Commercial Property. Working in Investment & Development involves a broad range of skills on a day to day basis; from the more extrovert elements, such as viewings and negotiations, to the more analytical, such as investment appraisals and development consultancy. Over the course of my first year I have found my daily use of a portfolio of skills one of the most satisfying elements of my job.
Knight Frank prides itself on providing a holistic approach to its graduates, and this is demonstrated not just by the excellent APC programme but also by the range of social and sporting events on offer. Annual highlights include the Surveyor’s Rugby Sevens and the Commercial versus Residential Cricket match, as well as regular social and charity events.
Throughout my time at Knight Frank the work I have undertaken has been diverse, exciting and genuinely rewarding. The opportunity and support has been exceptional. The key to the Knight Frank graduate scheme is, in my opinion, responsibility. From day one graduates are expected to take responsibility for themselves and their work, and are given the opportunity to be actively involved in major projects, demonstrating that Knight Frank graduates are a valued part of the team from the outset.
Ben Cooper is now a permanent surveyor in our City Investment department.
Having completed a number of work experience instalments at a residential surveying and development firm, followed by an MA in Property Valuation and Law at Cass Business School, I was delighted to be offered a job in the Residential International department at Knight Frank, working specifically on the French desk. With my experience and interest in residential property, combined with a modern languages degree from Bristol University, I found this the perfect team into which to be welcomed.
From the International Department I have gained invaluable experience in the sale and purchase of foreign properties, with the added benefit of numerous business trips abroad. I have been extremely well supported by the members of my department and my APC mentor who has given me every opportunity to progress and adopt the highly valued Knight Frank ethic.
My first rotation on the Graduate Scheme was to the London Residential Development department where I worked on behalf of banks, developers and other investors in carrying out appraisals and valuations of a large variety of development projects.
I spent three months in the department and this offered me the chance to develop and put into practice some of the skills I had learnt at Cass whilst also achieving the necessary APC accreditations.
Before the end of my time on the Graduate Scheme I will have completed five further rotations, which will give me a broad and dynamic understanding of the residential property world.
At Knight Frank a lot of importance is placed on the Graduate Scheme and in addition to rotations in a variety of departments, the graduates professional development is also supported by a number of courses and training days throughout their training.
My first year at Knight Frank has been hugely exciting and I have enjoyed working in a friendly environment where diligence and hard work are recognised. This is complimented by a number of social and sporting events and has resulted in my experience to date being both rewarding and great fun.
Fred Schiff is now a permanent surveyor in our International Residential department.