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Graduate case studies

Graduate case studies
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Chris - 
Area Manager - Housing Strategy

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

- Project managing a range of development schemes bidding for and receiving HCA investment
- Obtaining internal investment approval
- Local Authority (+ GLA) Liaison
- Managing a team of consultants and solicitors

Typical day

Meeting with developers; site visits; composing legal agreements; writing internal papers to secure HCA investment; managing budgets; responding to local authority information requests; problem solving; assessing scheme viability through looking at development appraisals or cashflows

What do I enjoy about my job?

The subtle nuances of individual development projects; being able to call upon expertise of highly skilled professionals; managing the 'political' angle to each scheme, both locally and nationally; seeing each project come to fruition in a tangible way

Challenging aspects

Occasional long hours; the highly complicated legal or financial structures associated with some large developments; keeping in top of a diverse and challenging workload in what is a relatively small team

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

My time at Sheffield piqued an interest in the built environment and 'urban regeneration' and this role enables me to get involved in a variety of development projects in order to increase housing supply

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

I use my political acumen and analytical skills gained from my degree in engaging with local and national stakeholders; I use my skills associated with coursework and essays when writing reports and board papers

Training I receive as part of my job

Internal training courses & ability to go externally for CPD or masters courses.


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

Temping at a Local Authority, September 2008-May 2009

Travel, May 2009-July 2009

Graduate Scheme, Homes and Communities Agency, September 2009-March 2011

Assistant Project Manager, Argent (private property developer), March 2011-April 2012

Area Manager (Housing Strategy), Homes and Communities Agency, April 2012-present

Where do I see myself in the future?

A managerial role at either a Housing Association, Local Authority of Whitehall organisation. Looking at a masters in either surveying or town planning in the near future


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

Be ambitious; exploit any networks or informal connections at your disposal; never be afraid of asking what might seem a silly question. Keep in touch with colleagues, classmates, etc - you never know when that connection might be useful. Be prepared to take your time before landing that first proper graduate job.


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Last updated: 04 Apr 2013