Name: Justin Akugbo (BSc Hons)

Job Title: Graduate Surveyor

Office: Edinburgh

Q1. How long have you worked at DM Hall?

I have worked at DM Hall since February 2024 having worked at another firm in Edinburgh since 2019. I was in my 4^th year of the Graduate Apprenticeship when I started at DM Hall, working on a full-time basis, incorporating three, 2-week blocks at Edinburgh Napier University. I then graduated university in October 2024, allowing me to proceed with my MRICS APC journey.

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

I am currently operating within the Commercial Agency department, with a diverse level of experience in retail, industrial and office agency. I was drawn to the Commercial Agency department as I am a social person, enjoying speaking to clients/prospective purchasers and tenants, negotiating deals seeking the best outcome for clients. I find it deeply satisfying to see an instruction move from an initial conversation all the way to money in the client’s bank.

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

My recruitment process involved a face-to-face interview with the Head of Agency. This interview was held within the Edinburgh office, allowing me to ask questions on DM Hall’s business plans in the future, and my working experience to date was discussed. Following the interview, I was contacted by the Head of Agency and offered the role (which I dutifully accepted)!

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

In 2019, I left The Royal High School, Edinburgh at the end of my fifth year, and began my Graduate Apprenticeship journey working full-time, whilst at Edinburgh Napier University on a 2-week, 3-time a year block release basis, seeking an Honours degree within surveying.

Having worked for 4 years, I then graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in October 2024, gaining valuable on-the-job experience whilst gaining the Honours degree simultaneously. The experience gained was invaluable, learning the ‘real-life’ job, being able to apply this to my university coursework.

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

I have an Honours degree (BSc (Hons) in construction and the built environment – Building Surveying) from Edinburgh Napier University.

I am currently working towards MRICS chartered status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, with my Assessment of Professional Competence scheduled for April 2026.

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

I have various mentors within DM Hall, Andrew and Jonathan are my go-to councillors and supervisors providing support for the RICS APC progress. I feel at DM Hall, all senior colleagues are happy to help and provide the necessary guidance and support to enhance my knowledge and further career development. Having worked within another firm, I can confidently say the support I have received at DM Hall has been unmatched.

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

I have visited various interesting properties throughout my career – selecting one would be a difficult task! However, I especially enjoyed being involved in the marketing of a beautiful stone constructed townhouse in central Edinburgh (a rare property type to market). 

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

The main thing I enjoy about working at DM Hall is the mix between having a supportive culture and making money for the business. I feel there is a good balance between having fun with colleagues and meeting fee targets.

Q9. What are your career aspirations?

Having begun my surveying career at 16 years old, I have set goals and targets, with the first being to graduate university. Having graduated in 2024, I am now set to reach goal 2 of becoming a Chartered Surveyor. Beyond this goal, I wish to continue learning and gaining more experience to justify promotions and climb the ladder of seniority. I hope to run my own department one day and believe if I continue working hard, the roadmap to success is there for the taking.

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

My advice to future graduates is to start your career as early as possible. If you are going down the traditional undergraduate degree route, seek placements/work experience with a surveying firm as early as you can as on-the-job experience will set you apart from your peers.

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