A day in the life of Josephine Hooper, Property Graduate
Josephine Hooper is the Property Graduate for the Humber ports and is currently doing her placement with the Humber property team. Josie started her placement in October 2023 and unlike the other graduates has worked predominantly in property. This is because she is working towards becoming a chartered surveyor, and as part of her Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors programme she must gain experience for her assessment of professional competence (APC). For this she must have a minimum of two years’ work experience which has been amalgamated into her graduate programme.
Josie what is your role at ABP Humber?
My role involves working with the property team. ABP is also a landlord who owns lots of land. The company is the fifth largest landowner in the UK. The role is about how you manage that land. It involves arranging contracts to lease land to different customers, working with the commercial team, as often there’s a commercial contract attached to the lease. It’s also how you best manage that land in each port.
Why did you apply for the scheme?
I was attracted to the programme, as I liked the idea that it was niche. I find I like to learn every day and I didn’t want to be in a role where I’m not continually learning. On the tour of the port I realised it was an interesting sector to work in. Mine is not the usual route to take but it’s a sector which is constantly changing, there are so many industries in one area. You’ll never understand everything, so every day is different. That was attractive to me.
What’s next?
Six months prior to the placement ending I will begin to have discussions about what my permanent role might be within the company. We’ll look to see what that might be within the department and what my offer will be. I’m here as they needed another team member, so I hope to have a role offered to me come Oct 2025.
What’s satisfying about doing the role?
One of the key things which I noticed on the assessment day, which is why I was attracted to the role, was there a common feeling throughout the company that people are genuine and open, and honest with you. There’s a real community spirit that is professional and I like that. I never feel I can’t ever ask for help and that’s extremely important. I have a good team around me, not just people in my department but in other teams. I’m never made to feel I can’t seek advice and guidance.
What do you like most?
I’m somebody that is highly productive when I have a lot going on and I like the breadth of what I do and the projects I get involved with. The master planning work has been interesting in thinking strategically what the Port of Grimsby could look like in 2040. To understand the process to ensure the land use is appropriate now for what our future vision in in 2040, that really sinks into my role when we’re looking at customers in Grimsby, and what happens to them when leases come to an end and do, we want to move in new occupiers.
The film location side is also extremely fun. It’s something I’ve never experienced before as it’s not the same as letting a piece of land, with a normal customer. Both projects have been exciting, and I’ve learnt a huge amount in a certain amount of time.
If you are looking for an environment where you will be encouraged to grow and develop professionally, this scheme is certainly the one for you. You’re always encouraged to expand your skills and knowledge. There are so many opportunities and projects, ask people questions and put the time and effort in as the world is really your oyster with ABP.
