Another D+S star has successfully passed the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence). Huge congratulations to Isla! This milestone marks a significant step in her career as a Quantity Surveyor (QS) and we couldn’t be prouder. In this blog, we’ll delve into Isla’s journey, the challenges she faced, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.
The Motivation Behind the Journey
For Isla, the initial motivation was clear and compelling: career progression. “Becoming a member of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is a goal of most QS’s” Isla explained.Her determination to advance in her career and meet the professional standards required by her field set the foundation for her APC journey.
Overcoming Challenges
The road to becoming a Charted QS was not without its hurdles. Isla highlighted the time commitment as one of the biggest challenges she faced. “The process demanded a significant amount of time during weekends and evenings,” she shared. Additionally, the wide array of competencies covering various topics added to the complexity. To overcome these challenges, Isla meticulously managed her time and remained dedicated to her goal, often sacrificing personal time to ensure she was well-prepared.
A Day in the Life of APC Preparation
Preparing for the APC assessment required a disciplined and structured routine. Isla’s typical day was filled with Q&A sessions with various members of staff multiple times a week. “I would study in the office after work, then continue studying at home and on weekends,” she recalled. This rigorous schedule was essential to cover the extensive material and ensure she was ready for the assessment.
Pivotal Moments
One of the most significant milestones in Isla’s APC journey was getting all her competencies signed off and submitting her final documentation. “That was a large section of the process complete,” she said. This pivotal moment marked a major step towards her qualification, providing a sense of accomplishment and renewed motivation to push through the final stages
Balancing Commitments
Balancing the demands of studying for the APC with professional and personal commitments was a challenging feat. Isla had to juggle work deadlines with study sessions in her own time. “In terms of personal commitments, it meant giving up weekends and social events over a six-month period to study,” she noted. This level of dedication and sacrifice was crucial to her success.
Supportive Resources and Mentors
Isla attributes much of her success to the support she received from colleagues. “I found having Q&A sessions with multiple colleagues the best way to prepare,” she said. The willingness of her colleagues to give up their time to prepare questions and offer advice was invaluable. “I am so grateful for the support I received from so many people at D+S,” Isla added, emphasising the importance of a strong support network during such a demanding process.
Impact on Professional Skills and Career Prospects
While the immediate impact on Isla’s career may not be significant, the long-term benefits are clear. “Becoming a Chartered QS will allow for greater prospects in the future, and I think I have developed a number of professional skills during the process,” Isla reflected. The skills and knowledge gained through the APC journey have undoubtedly enhanced her professional capabilities.
Advice for Future Candidates
For those just starting their APC journey, Isla offers several pieces of advice. “Have regular meetings with your counsellor or supervisor to get competencies signed off and put these in the diary far in advance to keep yourself accountable,” she recommended. Tracking progress and getting started on the submission as soon as possible were also crucial strategies. “Do as many Q&A sessions as possible and ask people to read your submission to help come up with questions,” Isla advised, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation and seeking feedback.
Key Takeaways
Looking back, Isla recognises the immense value of her APC experience. “I learned so much in terms of technical knowledge, but I also developed a number of skills such as presentation delivery,” she concluded. The journey has been transformative, equipping her with the expertise and confidence to excel in her future career.
Isla’s achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the supportive environment at our office. We congratulate her on this remarkable milestone and look forward to witnessing her continued success and growth in the years to come