My BE Career: Maya Knott

What I do: I work in the general practice side of the company focusing mainly on lease advisory. This includes rent reviews, lease renewals, lease re-gears/extensions, etc.

Why I got into the property industry: I’ve always had a genuine interest in buildings, how they’re designed, constructed and brought to life. Growing up, I watched shows like Grand Designs and was fascinated by both the build process and the final result. That interest led me to considering a property-related degree and that was where it started really.

How I did it: I ended up going to university very last minute, applying only two days before freshers week started. I chose a property planning and development course which turned out to be a great decision. In my third year I did a placement at a property firm in Nottingham which gave me a great insight into the professional world. After finishing my degree, the next step was to begin my Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become a chartered surveyor, which I completed at the end of 2024.

My first proper job: One of my first ‘proper’ jobs was as a retail assistant at a store in Bicester Village, but if we’re talking about first proper job in the industry then that would be as a project coordinator in the estates department at Nottingham Trent University. After completing my degree, I went onto work for my university on their graduate development programme. It was definitely a learning experience to work in the public sector, especially looking back on it now having worked in the private sector for the last three years.

My first big break: I’m not sure that I’ve had a ‘big break’ as such, but securing a grad job straight out of university definitely felt like getting my foot in the door. Before that, I had gone through a few interview processes and assessment days without success. But after a year in that role, I felt better equipped to go into the interview process again, with more confidence and experience. That time round, I ended up with three job offers.

My inspiration(s): Professionally, I’m inspired by the people I work with. They’ve built successful careers through hard work and focus, but what stands out is how they treat others. They’re approachable, patient, and supportive – especially with junior team members – and they seem to have figured out a great balance between being professional and being human.

The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date:  In lease advisory, our work is often governed by a strict procedural framework, making it essential to understand and adhere to every aspect of the process. Key elements such as timescales, notice periods, and statutory deadlines must be followed precisely. Navigating these processes has definitely been a challenge. Working closely with clients and their solicitors is critical to ensuring compliance and accuracy throughout, as any missteps can lead to significant consequences.

My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: My proudest achievement to date is successfully passing my APC. From the beginning of university, attaining chartered status was always the goal – even though it seemed a long way off at that point. The process requires a lot of dedication, time and effort so receiving confirmation that I had passed was not only a moment of huge relief, but also a really rewarding milestone.

The biggest misconception people have about the construction/property industry:  When people think about property, their minds often go straight to residential – buying or renting a home is the most common experience for most. As a result, we are often mistaken for estate agents. But the property sector is far more diverse than many realise, with a wide range of surveying roles that extend well beyond housing. It’s a fascinating field with layers that most people might never even realise exist.

My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: If I could change one thing about the property industry, it would be how it’s introduced to university students. The term “surveyor” is often seen as a single, narrowly defined role, when in fact it covers a wide range of specialisms. That breadth isn’t always made clear at university level, which means many students on RICS-accredited courses may not realise just how many different career paths are available to them. A more visible presence at career fairs and more tailored engagement could really help to highlight the variety within the profession and support students in making more informed choices about their future.

Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I think that when people feel respected and comfortable, they’re more likely to do great work. If you create an environment where ideas can be shared openly, it sets the tone for real collaboration and better problem solving. Treating everyone with the same level of respect brings out different perspectives and helps build a team that’s always learning and adapting.

Why I’m so passionate about ESG: I think ESG should be part of how we work and make decisions day to day – not just something that sits in a policy document. We all have a role to play in being more aware of our impact, whether that’s cutting carbon emissions, improving how buildings perform, or advocating for green lease clauses. The social and governance sides are just as important. Creating fair, inclusive workplaces and making decisions that are open and responsible helps build trust and creates value in a company. I think for me, ESG is essentially about doing things properly, with purpose, care, and with people & the planet in mind.

Where I’d like to be in five years’ time, career-wise: In five years’ time, I would hope to be working at partner level, having taken on more responsibility, be managing my own portfolio of work and maybe supporting a graduate or someone newer to the industry as they get started in their career.

Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Amy Winehouse, James Blunt, Dua Lipa, Olivia Colman, Lewis Capaldi, Colin Farrell – no specific reasons other than I think they’re all pretty talented and it would be fun.

What I do in my downtime: I enjoy watching telly, a good thriller/crime series or a bit of reality TV are probably my favourites. I also like to read, go to the gym and have recently started playing squash.

My advice for someone just starting out: Just go for it. Say “yes” to opportunities, even if they feel a little outside your comfort zone. When starting out everything is a new experience – you’ll only figure out what you enjoy (or don’t) by giving things a try.

My motto/mantra: Don’t assume that just because someone is older or been around longer than you that they know better than you.