In the week of International Women’s Day we are sharing the stories of just some of our colleagues who inspire us. Here, Harriet Hemmings reveals how her determination took her on a new career path.

It was Louise Harrison’s International Women's Day (IWD) blog, A day in the life of a rural property surveyor, on this very site in 2018 that inspired me to swap a career in the City for the first rung of the rural property ladder.

I was looking for a change of direction and knew that I felt happiest in the countryside, either riding horses or on my bike, but I hadn’t even considered that there would be rural job opportunities out there for anyone who isn’t a farmer.

I was amazed to learn from Louise's post that I could combine my love for the countryside with a career and was interested to see how diverse the role would be. The blog mentioned an IWD event that Savills was hosting for women in agriculture and I found it really empowering to see these women coming together to celebrate their careers in a world I was keen to become part of.

As it turned out I’d missed that event, but I was invited to another at Savills head office in London with Olympic three-day eventer Piggy French. I attended alone but was welcomed by some Savills graduates at the beginning of their rural property careers, who gave me an insight into their work and positive experiences of the business.

With no experience in the industry, I applied for a Saturday role with the Savills residential team in Chelmsford, determined to get my foot in the door.

Although I was unsuccessful, I was informed about a vacancy for a rural estate administrator in the same office. The position would be for three days a week on a three-month contract.

To give up a full-time, well-paid job was a risk to say the least, but I saw this as the perfect opportunity. I attended the interview and was delighted to be offered a full-time, six-month contract which I took in May 2018.

The following year, I started on the Savills rural graduate scheme and enrolled onto the University College of Estate Management’s two-year, part-time MSc in Real Estate, which I completed alongside work and my RICS course.

I was determined to succeed, despite external challenges including lockdowns and a serious back injury following a car accident. This meant uncountable late evenings and weekends studying but the support received from my colleagues was incredible. Everyone wanted me to achieve and was passionate about my development, which created the environment I needed to thrive. 

I came away with two awards from UCEM: Best Overall Performance for the MSc Real Estate and the Peter Goodacre award for Best Overall Performance across all Class of 2021 undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

I plan to continue to develop my knowledge and experience in property management and also hope to become an RICS registered valuer.

The best advice I’ve received – from Savills director Mike Horton – is to remember previous achievements to recognise my ability, build confidence and realise my true potential. And the advice I’d pass on is never be afraid to ask questions.

This is a culture where people have been encouraged in their own career progression and so are happy to help others in return. A beautiful cycle of support.

Read more in our series of blogs for International Women's Day:

• You have to speak up to be heard
• Be realistic - don't set yourself up to fail
• Cancer treatment is hardly the career break anyone envisages
• Maternity leave, lockdown and a little miracle
• Creating space for the women who come next
• Take ownership and never give up

Further information

Contact Harriet Hemmings