A graduate in Geography at Oxford, Rhian had gone on to work in commercial property at international law firm Taylor Wessing in London. Over time, she found that she was drawn to the commercial aspects and wanted more direct contact with the properties and tenants themselves. Moreover, having previously worked for Gower AONB in Swansea as a Projects Officer, the thought of working in land management in Wales was beginning to take shape. Researching the fields open to her in property and land management, Rhian looked into the rural surveyor pathway. Taking advice from surveyors within the profession, she decided to commit to a one-year Master’s degree in Rural Land and Business Management at Henley, a course which prepared her to ‘hit the ground running’.
Her bold move in taking a career break in order to gain the qualifications that would open the door into land and property surveying paid off, and Rhian joined Cooke & Arkwright in September 2015. Her responsibilities with the firm include land agency, lease advisory and utility work for prestigious clients including The Crown Estate, Plymouth Estate and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Work with The Crown Estate’s marine interests in Wales includes general management of the foreshore and sea bed, conducting rent reviews and negotiating leases, advising on pontoons, moorings, public access facilities and nature conservation.
“Working with Cooke & Arkwright is a fantastic opportunity and I’m so glad I plucked up the courage to make the change,” she comments. “And my legal background has many uses and applications within my new career, so I can put my previous experience and training to good use. I’d encourage anyone, if they are not sure about making the change, to go ahead and do it!”