Ben Rebeiro
Graduate Surveyor Savills
Why did you choose to study Politics with Economics at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ?
I had always been interested in the political world and I loved economics at school, combining these subjects with being able to study and live at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ was the perfect scenario! I also wanted to study something that wouldn’t pigeon-hole me into a certain industry straight out of university as I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do when applying for university. Politics and Economics would enable me to learn key evaluative skills in a subject area I was fascinated by.
What did you enjoy about your course?
I enjoyed the freedom you are afforded to explore different aspects of subjects and the interactions and arguments this led to. In particular I found modules in State, Violence, and Terrorism and Post-War British Politics very interesting.
How has º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ inspired you and helped you to progress in your career?
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ instilled a sense of competitiveness in me allied to a strong sense of comradery, through sports as well as charity fundraising, both of which have been key in helping me get to where I am today.
Would there be one piece of advice that you would give to current or prospective students looking to study Politics with Economics?
Choose topics which interest you the most, you inevitably work harder if you’re really invested in a subject. You are provided with a lot of freedom to investigate and research areas which you enjoy, make the most of it!
Did you take part in any extra-curricular activities during your studies? If so, how did this impact upon your º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ experience?
I took part in IMS competing in all sorts of sports from the usual Rugby and Football all the way to Rocketball! I loved competing with my friends and coaching other students as well. I completed the Rag 5-Peaks Challenge which helped to raise money for charity and was also great fun! These things brought me closer together with my friends and making unforgettable memories!
Can you tell us about your career journey so far?
After I graduated, I worked for a Private Estate working in development for a year, followed by a year working for a global real estate consultancy firm in the Middle East for a year. I then completed a Master’s degree in Real Estate at the University of Reading after which I began working for Savills.
Can you tell us more about your current role?
I am a development surveyor in Savills International Development Consultancy team based in London. I provide clients with feasibility, best-use, and acquisition and disposal advice on large scale mixed-use development around the world. I have advised on schemes with golf courses, marinas, and hotels, to city redevelopment projects in places such as Singapore, Thailand, Spain, Portugal, and even the Seychelles!
What do you love the most about your job?
I am lucky enough to be able to visit exciting projects all around the world working with very ambitious and optimistic clients in amazing places!
What does the future hold for you?
In the short-term I am currently sitting my Chartership exams hoping to become a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, in the long-term I hope to work abroad again experiencing exciting new countries, people, and cultures.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
That would probably be my first leasing deal in the Middle East, I had found the client, the building to suit them, and dealt with a few unexpected hurdles…it wasn’t a very big deal, but it was all mine!