Name: Veenam Gohil
Title: Associate director, CBRE Building Consultancy
What I do: I work in the commercial property industry as a chartered building surveyor and undertake a wide range of site inspections, providing specialist knowledge on a variety of industrial, office and retail properties. I also specialise in licences and PPMs with a passion for health and safety in construction.
Why I got into the property industry: I was always intrigued by buildings from the age of seven and I knew some day that I would work in this industry. My dad was an architect’s assistant, so he introduced me to drawing and floor plans in general. I was always fascinated by historic or abandoned buildings and I loved the idea of transformation and making an empty space into something useable and alive.
How I did it: After work experience at Wolverhampton City Council with both architects and building surveyors (the latter I had never heard of!), I found that I really enjoyed my week with the surveyors and so I therefore proceeded to take the building surveying degree at Nottingham Trent University. From there I get onto CBRE’S graduate scheme and I’ve been here ever since.
My first proper job: I got onto CBRE’s graduate scheme in 2015 after graduating and it’s been an amazing journey so far. This job gave me an introduction to the working industry and put building surveying into practice.
My first big break: Getting chartered in 2018 must be the biggest break to date – this was an incredible achievement and tough to get through, but I got there in the end. I can hand on heart say that gaining this professional chartership was huge and it allows me to see the industry with a different light.
My inspiration(s): My family, always. My husband – for the constant support and persuading me to try everything in life, my parents for always believing in me and my sister for giving me strength to never give up.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: To get my voice heard as a female woman of colour, but I’ve got there and with support from the amazing groups and campaigns that exist today, for not only the property industry but everything in general.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Recently getting promoted to associate director at CBRE – it’s been wonderful!
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: It’s just an industry for the traditional male. This is false – I really believe this is such a welcoming and diverse industry for everyone out there and would encourage everyone to get into property and surveying!
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: There are so many types of surveying that’s not really spoken about or advertised at schools, etc, or university career fairs and I am currently on the path to changing that and will continue to visit educational institutes to promote surveying.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I am a huge part of this. It’s something that’s so important today and provides a deeper insight and understanding on why having a diverse workforce is key to success in any line of work. Good equality and diversity practices help companies and individuals ensure their services are provided to anyone and everyone – everyone has equal chance and equal access – respect is key and it’s an amazing thing to celebrate our differences and what individuals can bring to the table. Having a different perspective on things can provide extensive value and give a great insight into consumer values and opinions.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: The environment is a key factor in society and something I am passionate about. All businesses need to have an ESG strategy to help manage risks and stand out in today’s market. It allows companies and individuals to comply with legislation and work towards gaining a distinct edge over their competitors and help drive innovation and gain long-term value.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I still hope to be in this career and have expanded my knowledge – which is always ever-growing – and expertise in the commercial property world. I would like to be an inspiration to those who wish to join building surveying, especially women where this industry is indeed male-dominated, but I’m hoping to help change that.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: David Attenborough – what a delight!
What I do in my downtime: I love to travel so I’m always trying to go on as many holidays as possible. I like to read novels and watch movies in my downtime. Sometimes you might even catch me painting!
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: This is a tough one as I knew I wanted to be in property from a young age. I guess I would be a food travel blogger or an independent hotel owner!
My advice for someone just starting out: Never give up, persevere in your career and always play nice.
My motto/mantra: Persistence is key. Ignorance is bliss.
