_My experience on Knight Frank's virtual internship programme
Despite the unprecedented times we are currently facing as a society, Knight Frank is continuing its commitment to providing opportunities for the real estate industry’s next wave of young talent through its decision to continue with the 2020 summer internship programme, albeit in virtual form.
The virtual internship reflected Knight Frank’s holistic approach to graduate training. The programme was constructed with the aim of equipping interns with a range of professional skills which would facilitate the transition from university to the workplace. The three-week programme was structured into three core themes: the firm, personal development, and the industry.
Above: Alex Jimenez, one of Knight Frank's 2020 interns
Week 1: The firm
The first week revolved around deepening our understanding of Knight Frank, which encompassed learning about the firm's values, its employees and how it operates on both a local and international scale. The week started with the opportunity to hear from Alistair Elliott, Knight Frank’s group chairman, and gain an insight into the factors and values which drive the firm’s strategic decisions, as well hearing his thoughts on the current state of the real estate landscape.
The following session involved a comprehensive insight into the intricacies of the firm’s structure, through an extensive introduction into Knight Frank’s residential and commercial divisions. In addition, I had the opportunity to learn more about the renowned Knight Frank graduate scheme and gained an insight into the level of training and support which ultimately produces some of the industry’s leading practitioners.
The most rewarding part of the week was the unique opportunity to write an article based upon an interview conducted with a partner at Knight Frank. Interns were given full autonomy of the subject and direction of the article. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Harvey, Head of Knight Frank’s International Department, and writing an article based on his experience of how emerging wellness trends are shaping the European residential market. The opportunity was an incredible learning experience, which greatly enhanced my understanding of the wider real estate industry, by introducing me to brand-new real estate concepts and market dynamics in the European residential sector. Moreover, it enabled me to gain an insight into the vast experience and level of expertise possessed by partners at the firm.
Week 2: Personal development
Week two focused on building our potential through a combination of workshops and industry-led talks hosted by experts from across the firm. Throughout these sessions they covered: behaviours and communication skills, social media training, developing your own personal brand and well-being.
Hosted by Peter Clarke-Lewis, the behaviours and communication skills workshop highlighted the many facets of communication equipping me with the mannerisms necessary to make an excellent first impression across a range of communication channels.
Rebecca Hills introduced me to the power of social media. I attained a greater understanding of the ways to optimise my social media presence and how to use it not only as a communication tool but as a way of further developing my own personal brand and even as a means of acquiring business.
The importance of building your own personal brand was further elaborated on by Kate Doyle, who introduced me to the fundamental aspects of ‘personal branding’. This included knowing your values, audience, purpose, knowledge and passion. The session gave me the tools necessary to network effectively, differentiate myself from the competition and increase my value both as an employee and individual.
Lastly, the session by Pippa Nicholls on personal well-being familiarised me with the many aspects of our lives which contribute to our health and well-being, enabling me to gain a greater understanding of how these can be managed to ensure I maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Week 3: The industry
The final week sought to increase our understanding of the real estate industry and the array of surveying careers it encompasses. We were given a comprehensive look into the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) process and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Georgie Hill, the candidate support coordinator from RICS, hosted the session and highlighted the range of sector pathways available for Chartered qualification (MRICS), and the importance of RICS as a professional body, which establishes the standards of professional conduct and practice across the real estate industry.
Alongside the week’s session, we were tasked with creating an industry video project which revolved around one of the three core pillars of Knight Frank’s ethos: People, Place and Planet. Opting to focus on ‘Planet’, my project analysed the impact that a new mixed-use development has had on the local environment by investigating how it incorporates the three pillars of sustainability. The project enlightened me on the growth of 'residential-led mixed-use', and the changing real estate landscape in my local area. Moreover, it gave me an insight into what contemporary developers are doing to adopt the sustainable development principles.
Overall, the Knight Frank virtual internship has greatly enhanced my understanding of the firm and the wider real estate industry. It was an invaluable experience where I had the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading practitioners, meet a range of like-minded and talented young people and gain an insight into the incredible work culture at Knight Frank. Furthermore, the experience has refined a range of my professional and soft skills and enabled me to understand my individual strengths and weaknesses. Through this, the program has undoubtedly maximised both my potential and the value I would bring to my next employer.
For more information about Knight Frank's internship schemes and Early Careers Programmes: