Name: Lucia Sanderson
Job title: Apprentice surveyor, CBRE Manchester
What I do: As an apprentice, I work Monday to Thursday in CBRE’s Manchester office and spend Fridays studying remotely for my undergraduate degree. As I am on the commercial pathway, I rotate between different departments for a duration of one year each. I have spent time in office agency, lease consultancy and have recently rotated into my third seat, property management. After I obtain my degree in September 2025, I plan to sit my APC in spring 2026 to become a qualified chartered surveyor.
Why I got into the property industry: I’ve had an interest in the built environment from a young age. I worked part-time at an estate agents from the age of 15, surrounded by RICS qualified valuers which further encouraged me to consider a career in real estate.
How I did it: After considering different routes to becoming a chartered surveyor, I decided that the degree apprenticeship was suitable for me and CBRE was an excellent choice. I feel fortunate to have secured the opportunity and highly recommend degree apprenticeships to those who may be looking at options other than mainstream university.
My first proper job: At aged 14 I worked in a local café for a year, it was definitely a challenge at times but it provided me with some great work and life experience. I’ve developed so many professional skills based on my time there, not least resilience.
My first big break: It has to be securing the role at a local estate agency in order to gain relevant experience and improve my marketability. In hindsight, this was a ‘huge break’ and I was very fortunate that they decided to give me a chance to join them. During this time, I learned and developed personal and professional skills that I am convinced gave me the edge when successfully applying to CBRE – my second big break.
My inspiration(s): I find inspiration from many sources including family, friends and peers, but perhaps given that I’m in the early stages of my career, seeing people who have successfully completed apprenticeships, including my line manager and CBRE UK’s CEO Ciaran Bird, gives me great motivation to push myself.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: I relocated to Manchester, two hours from my hometown for the apprenticeship in September 2021. Juggling a new job, a new degree and a new city at 18 years old was a huge challenge, but such a rewarding experience when I consider how much I have done, and how much I’ve achieved, over the last two years.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: I recently took part in EG’s ‘Future Leaders’ programme for 2023. This was an intensive three-month training programme which finished in September, in which I held a 10 minute TEDx style talk on Gen Z in the real estate industry in front of hundreds of people. The programme completely pushed me out of my comfort zone and transformed the way that I approach public speaking. This was such an incredible experience and the feedback I’ve received from viewers definitely makes this moment stand out to me.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: I actually don’t have a big bugbear about the industry as I can see it evolving all the time, but I do enjoy the direction the industry is moving in terms of DE&I.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: Besides the obvious that fairness and opportunity should be equal and available to all, I also believe DE&I is vital for cognitive diversity to deliver improvement and efficiency – if we limit our ideas to people from just a single homogeneous group then we stagnate and fall backwards.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: In 2028, I will be two years post-qualification as a chartered surveyor. I definitely envision myself remaining at CBRE, though it’s challenging to state where exactly in the business I’ll end up. The great thing about the apprenticeship (and graduate) programme at CBRE is being able to experience different service lines. I’m confident that whichever department I end up staying in, I’ll be able to achieve great things with my team and have a flourishing career.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: I’d love to sit down with my great grandparents. I feel like it would be so interesting to learn more about my ancestry.
What I do in my downtime: The usual stuff – socialising, going to the gym and I like to shop. I make no apologies for that, I love fashion!
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Good question, I’d probably be completing a standard undergraduate course somewhere. Though I have no idea where, and no idea what subject! I’m very fortunate to have found a subject I’m passionate about in my teenage years with real, long-term prospects.
My advice for someone just starting out: I think being open-minded and patient is really important. Try to expose yourself to as many opportunities as you can, absorb as much knowledge and information as possible and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you to expand your connections. Developing your profile will always be beneficial.
