My journey as a Graduate started with Ashdown Phillips in October 2020. Having ferried over the Irish Sea to Manchester in August and worked as a parcel delivery boy for a couple of months, I was ready to get stuck in.

Having joined Ashdown Phillips pretty much straight out of university and in uncertain times with an ongoing pandemic I had doubts about how I would adapt to the role, especially with the likes of working from home (WFH), with joggers replacing suit trousers, Teams calls replacing after work trips to the pub and instant coffee replacing Costa (alternative coffee shops are available). Well… let us just say any doubts I had quickly vanished.

From Day One I was furnished with a brand new mobile and my very own business cards (YES… my parents already have several) ready for my introduction. From that time, I have realised that Ashdown Phillips have a brilliant team of hard-working people and some craic (Irish slang for banter) to go along with it.

The team so far have been helpful in showing me the ropes and taking time out every week to help me start on my APC Journey. The company have also got me involved with the Charity and Community engagement programme, a true example of how the company is committed to getting involved in supporting local communities.

My expectations of my new role could not have been further from reality! I thought I’d probably be shadowing surveyors working on a couple of properties in Manchester and helping with some of the day-to-day management. Well… this is partly true but there has been a lot more involvement than expected with a wide range of properties to include mixed offices, retail parks, shopping centres and even a port!

Having been trusted to take on responsibility and get involved with several different types of property, it has really made me feel valued within the team. I have also really enjoyed having the freedom and flexibility to work from one of our sites in Manchester or travel down the M6 to Birmingham, although I’m working from home some of the time as we’re still in the midst of the global pandemic... roll on June 21st! With the promise of lockdown ending, I’m hugely looking forward to seeing the whole team in person with a cold pint in hand.

Jack Leckey, Graduate Surveyor