Candidate Success Story - Oliver Rodriguez

Building a Better You

Property Elite’s sole aim is to build better property professionals - supporting your career every step of the way, whether you are an AssocRICS or RICS APC candidate or a MRICS or FRICS Chartered Surveyor simply seeking engaging CPD.

What is this blog about?

In this week's blog, learn about Oliver's journey to becoming a Chartered Surveyor. He worked with Property Elite in the later stages of his APC journey, benefitting from our Monthly Mentoring package, combining 1-2-1 mentoring, a Submission Review, Question Pack, E-Mock and our full revision package. Oliver now works at CBRE as a very successful Senior Surveyor.

1. Why did you want to become a Chartered Surveyor?

I wanted to prove to myself I could do it and it really excited me that by going through the process, I could use the knowledge picked up to be the best surveyor I could be.

2. Has getting qualified made a difference to your career? If so, how?

Absolutely. I have so much more confidence now that I understand the way other surveyors think and how to approach various scenarios.

3. What was the best thing about working with Property Elite?

I came to Property Elite at a time where I was very frustrated that I still hadn't even attempted to take the exam yet let alone pass.

Michelle Parkes was my mentor and I cannot describe how good she was.

I was lost and deflated when I first interacted with her and she helped me get to a point where I got my head around the whole thing and even somewhat enjoy it towards the end.

I also really appreciated Jen Lemen who managed to review my whole submission in about 24 hours and this was my first draft so you can imagine the amount of corrections that were required.

4. What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not at work?

I love sport so whether its watching or participating, I'll be having a good time.

5. Do you have any advice for other candidates?

1. Start doing your level 1 answers between 6 to 12 months mark.
2. More mocks the better.
3. You will feel so many times how overwhelming it is but remember every candidate has gone through this and as long as you put the work in, you will see the rewards.

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