Meet the Land Agent

Life as a Bell Ingram Land Agent is hugely varied and no two days are the same. We find out more about what the job entails, and routes into the profession from our Perth based Assistant Land Agent, Louise Finnie.

What is your background?

I come from a rural background, my family own a small beef farm alongside a residential and commercial property letting business. From a young age I had ponies and spent my time at my local pony club, making lifelong friends and enjoying all the activities that go along with that. When I changed school, extra-curricular activities meant that I no longer had the time required to continue with this but hope to return to the horse world in the future. Around this time, I also joined Young Farmers and continue to enjoy all the fun and friendship of the wider Association. I am currently Secretary of my club, East Fife, and on the committee for the Fife and Kinross District.

What qualifications did you need to become a Land Agent?

I hold a BA (Hons) degree in Rural Business Management awarded by Glasgow University in conjunction with SRUC.

Why did you decide to go into surveying?

I wanted a degree that would encompass both agriculture and property in order to build and expand my knowledge in both areas. Knowing this would give me a mix of both field and office-based work appealed greatly, while at the same time the great variety of work involved would mean that no two days would be the same. Being supported by a team with a diverse pool of knowledge such as is available within Bell Ingram was an important factor when looking for a graduate position.

Did you always want to do rural work?

Yes, finding something that fitted with my rural interests was important. I think if you do something you enjoy, then it no longer feels like work. I do not believe I could derive so much enjoyment from any other area of employment.

When are you hoping to pass your APC?

On completion of my four-year degree course, I have gone on to study for a further two years in order to complete my APC. Part of achieving this is the requirement to keep a two-year diary, logging in detail all my competencies. During the summer, I have to submit my chosen case study. In the autumn following that submission, I will be invited to an interview where I will carry out a presentation on my case study to the board of examiners who in turn will ask questions on both my case study and my competencies. I feel I am prepared and hope to achieve gaining my APC this autumn.

What do you enjoy about the job?

I particularly enjoy meeting with and speaking to clients which brings with it a perfect balance between field and office work. Rural surveying covers a vast range of topics so having two years to trial most of the areas is a great way to rule out, or in, which areas suit you best. Although I have covered a variety of different areas, so far, on completion of my APC I feel I would like to specialise in Valuation.

However, due to the changes taking place in the world, Renewables is an area I have not covered extensively but may investigate in the future. Next year I hope to continue my studies and work towards my CAAV exams, knowing once again I can depend on and will be ably assisted by the Bell Ingram team. Being made feel like a valued member of, and being extensively supported by, the Bell Ingram ‘family’ throughout every aspect of my training has undoubtedly given me a strong foundation and broadened my skill set, ideally setting me up for the future.

Bell Ingram is hiring Land Agents across our business and locations. Find out more about the positions available and life at Bell Ingram at bellingram.co.uk/Work-with-us.