Name: Amy Price

Job Title: Trainee Surveyor

Office: Aberdeen

Q1. How long have you worked at DM Hall?

Since January 2025.

Q2. Which department are you operating in at DM Hall? What drew you to work in this area?

I’m currently part of the commercial valuation team. After building my career in residential property agency, I was ready to make a change and step into commercial surveying. The commercial side really appealed to me because of the range of property types, variety of clients, and the complex instructions they involve. It felt like the right move to challenge myself, broaden my experience, and gain the skills I’ll need on my journey to becoming chartered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Q3. What did the recruitment process involve and how did you approach your application?

I saw the Trainee Surveyor role advertised and applied. After an interview, I was delighted to be offered the position. In my application, I focused on how my skills from the residential sector, along with my qualifications and degree, could transfer well into commercial surveying. I also tried to get across my enthusiasm to learn and my genuine passion for property. Before joining DM Hall, I hadn’t realised there were alternative routes into surveying, so I’m really grateful to have found a pathway that lets me work towards chartered status while building on what I’ve already learned in property.

Q4. Tell us about your career to date? University / college / full or part time employment prior to joining? Provide a timeline if possible.

I graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2009 with a BA (Hons) in Media & Communications. Not long after, I began working in the residential property industry, where I spent around 15 years. During that time, I gained experience across lettings, sales, negotiation, and valuation, before moving into a management role. That variety gave me a really broad grounding, and an understanding of how the property industry works at different levels. While I might not be the fresh-faced graduate of 2009 anymore, I think the depth of experience I’ve built brings a different perspective, and I’m really enjoying putting that to use in my new role at DM Hall.

Q5. What qualifications do you have now (or are working towards) which you didn’t have when you started in the business?

Since joining DM Hall, I have enrolled on the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) via the Preliminary Review pathway. The APC is the qualification process required to become a Chartered Surveyor with the RICS, and I am now working towards meeting the requirements with the aim of sitting my APC interview in 2027.

Q6. Do you have a mentor in the business or someone who has helped you?

Yes, I’ve been really lucky to have great support since joining DM Hall. Within the Aberdeen commercial team, Stuart Johnston (Partner) and Hayley Anderson (Director) have been fantastic mentors and always generous with their time and advice. My colleagues have also been fantastic, happy to share their experience, offer practical help, and patiently answer my (probably endless) questions. The support for trainees across DM Hall is brilliant too. The graduate coffee morning and training days have been great ways to connect with colleagues – from other trainees to senior partners. It’s clear DM Hall has a genuinely supportive culture where everyone’s invested in helping you learn and grow, which has made the move into commercial surveying both smoother and really enjoyable.

Q7. What was the most memorable/ interesting property or site that you have visited?

One of my very first inspections was a Church in the West End of Aberdeen, which really stuck with me. I couldn’t quite believe that was one of my first outings as a trainee surveyor. The building was huge and so impressive, especially coming from my previous work in residential property. Since then, I’ve visited a few more traditional churches around Aberdeenshire and find them fascinating – each one has its own story, from the architectural features to the creative ways the spaces have been adapted over time. They also bring some unique challenges from a surveying perspective, which makes them brilliant learning experiences.

Q8. What do you like about working at DM Hall?

No two days are the same. We cover the whole of the north of Scotland and deal with such a wide variety of properties, so there’s always something new to learn. I also really value the supportive and collaborative culture here. Everyone’s approachable and happy to share their knowledge, which makes it a great place to develop your career.

Q9. What are your career aspirations?

Right now, my main focus is working towards my APC to become a Chartered Surveyor. Beyond that, I’m keeping an open mind. The opportunities to progress at DM Hall are great, and I’m keen to make the most of them. So, while I’m not setting anything in stone just yet, I’m excited to see where my career can grow within the firm.

Q10. Any advice you would like to give to future graduates?

Stay curious and get involved with as much as you can. Say yes to opportunities and be enthusiastic about learning. Finding a supportive employer like DM Hall also makes a huge difference, as it gives you the confidence and guidance you need to grow and build a career you really enjoy.

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