Keith Thomas, the well-known Director at DTZ has recently attained RICS membership via the Senior Professional Route and we are keen to publicise the route to other professionals in Wales.
For information Keith holds a degree in Geography and Geology and is a member of the RTPI.
We have asked Keith to give us his views on the process of attaining his RICS membership.
1. How did you learn about the Senior Professional Route to membership of RICS?
The Senior Professional Route was not too well publicised. I came across it by accident during a conversation about RTPI training with our in-house Learning & Development Team.
The RICS website was very informative and clear about what was needed and it was easy to download guidance notes and the application form from the web.
It is, however, worth remembering that for those of slightly less eminence there is also a route to membership for Senior Professionals i.e. those who have more than 10 years experience following graduation from a relevant degree (need not be RICS accredited) or after obtaining a relevant professional qualification.
Senior Professional Route Details
This route will not require further study as it does differ to the traditional routes for experienced candidates.
2. Was the process easy to follow?
Cramming 20 years of experience into the application form was a real challenge and constantly needed to reflect and review my past history in the context of the professional and discipline criteria.
This is important message for others - it is not simply a matter of downloading the past job specifics you have held.
The second stage process is equally clear and probably a little easier: 3–500 word case studies with a clear structure to follow of aims/objectives/roles and lessons, it is important to remember to keep it relevant.
3. Did you make use of the advice given by any APC Doctor?
Preparing for APC was challenging as I had not had much guidance (or experience from others) to go on.
I was given some advice from the DTZ APC Doctor who gave me some idea of the range and nature of questioning to expect and the level of understanding required in response (although he had not done any Senior Professional entries before).
Generally given the impression that could be asked about anything and everything and therefore took time to prepare on more detailed technical issues long since left behind from working at the coalface and on wider issues around compliance and valuation methods.
4. How did the APC Interview go?
The interview was held at Heathrow but luckily I was in Milton Keynes on business the day before so it fitted in well.
I must admit - the interview was a breeze. The panel stuck to exploring what was submitted on my form and in my case studies.
They probed a bit around some issues to explore my wider/deeper understanding of clients and their needs but this was no different to normal discussion you may have with a client.
They also tested me on straight-forward questions on RICS requirements.
I certainly felt that I had been given a proper hearing and had been tested on what I do and how I do it.
More importantly, they didn't test me on what I don't do or haven't done for 20 years. There was an appreciation of differences in planning procedures in England, Wales and Scotland and as I work across all three regions not a major issue.
5. And how does it feel to be an RICS member?
I was delighted to be successful and proud to be both a Planner and Surveyor.
RICS Wales will be publicising Keith’s experience to the Regeneration Skills Collective and is hopeful of encouraging more professionals in Wales to join our ranks.
If you have any colleagues who you think would be interested please encourage them to get in touch with Christina Hirst to discuss their options.
