A Career in Land Agency 

My interest in the countryside began at a young age, working on farms, shooting, and generally appreciating the fascinating rural landscape we often take for granted. At 17, I visited a local livestock market that also had a Land Agency arm. I contacted the firm via email and was fortunate enough to be offered some work experience.

That initial opportunity opened my eyes to the industry and has been a major factor in getting me to where I am now. Off the back of it, I applied to Harper Adams University, where I studied for two years. I now find myself on my placement year at JM Osborne Rural & Sporting, with a passion for continuing my career as a Land Agent and working towards becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and of the CAAV (Central Association of Agricultural Valuers).

I would not be where I am today without that work experience. That is why I firmly believe employers have an important role to play in offering and encouraging such opportunities. The most recent survey in 2013, showed that the average age of a Chartered Surveyor was 55; a clear sign that the profession must do more to attract young people.

Land Agency is a profession that is often underestimated, even by those within it, for the variety, challenge, and satisfaction it offers. Whether it is Estate Management, Valuation, Rural planning, or Sporting Consultancy, the industry combines traditional countryside knowledge with problem-solving, people skills, and commercial thinking.

JM Osborne Rural & Sporting has welcomed Graduates and Placement Students for over 30 years. Many of those who began their careers with the firm have gone on to become leading Land Agents undertaking a very wide range of work.

At JM Osborne Rural & Sporting, we are delighted to offer opportunities for young people to gain valuable work experience with us. Choosing a career path can be daunting, but if you really enjoy the countryside, are (or think you could be!) interested in land and property, keen on the environment, or simply curious about how the rural economy works, then Land Agency might well be the career for you.

If you are in the same position I was, and this sounds like something you would like to explore, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at jobs@jmosborne.co.uk with a short note explaining why you would like to gain experience with our firm.

We look forward to meeting some of the next generation of Land Agents very soon.

Article written by Jack Lawrence