Name: Tia Cameron
Job title: Apprentice quantity surveyor at Berkeley
What I do: I am currently an apprentice quantity surveyor. I manage the budgets from pre-construction up until post construction.
Why I got into the property industry: I was interested in built environment and I was also skilled at maths so this became the perfect path to follow.
How I did it: Alongside my GCSEs, I completed a Level 2 qualification in built environment, followed by a Level 3 qualification at college. After a year, I realised I wanted to gain hands-on experience in the workplace rather than continue in full-time education. Around that time, I came across Berkeley’s apprenticeship scheme. Having already completed some work experience in estimating, I applied and started my apprenticeship in 2021.
My first proper job: My first job was as a junior hairdresser in my family’s business when I was around 14, which was very different from what I do now. However, working from a young age helped me develop valuable skills that I still use every day, including communication, problem-solving and time management.
My first big break: Receiving a phone call from Stav, who is now my emerging talent manager, to tell me that I had successfully secured an apprenticeship with Berkeley.
My inspiration(s): Mia Pitts, a senior quantity surveyor in my department, has been a huge inspiration to me. She is a fantastic role model for women in construction and started her career at a similar age to me. She has taught me so much throughout my time at Berkeley.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Believing in myself and having confidence in my knowledge and abilities
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: My proudest moment was receiving confirmation that I had achieved my Associate RICS qualification. Achieving this at just 19 was a huge milestone so early in my career. I put a lot of hard work and many late nights into preparing my case study, and reading it back gave me confidence in the work I had accomplished. I think we can often become so focused on our day-to-day responsibilities that we forget to recognise and celebrate our own achievements and contributions.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: Many people think the property industry is just about selling houses. In reality, it is incredibly diverse and includes development, planning, construction, surveying, property management, investment, sustainability, finance and asset management. Selling homes is only a small part of the sector.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: One thing I would change is the length of time it can sometimes take to make decisions on projects. With so many stakeholders involved, delays can affect programmes and costs. I would like to see more streamlined decision making and earlier collaboration between teams.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I’m passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion because everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed based on their talent and potential. Different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives make teams stronger, and when people feel included and valued, they’re more likely to contribute their best ideas. As someone early in my career, I think it’s important that the industry continues creating environments where everyone feels they belong and can see a future for themselves.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I would like to have completed my degree, achieved my RICS chartership and be working towards or completing a master’s in construction project management.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Rihanna and Michelle Obama.
What I do in my downtime: I enjoy cooking and going out with my friends.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Hairdressing.
My advice for someone just starting out: Soak up every opportunity you can. No two days are the same, and there is always something new to learn.
My motto/mantra: Keep going. No matter how challenging things become, keep pushing forward and striving to improve. Everything will work out in the end.
