I worked at De Villiers Chartered Surveyors for 11 months during my placement year, improving industry specific skills and substantially increasing my commercial awareness.I gained experience in a wide range of areas within commercial & residential surveying:-Carried out residential and commercial valuations using various different methods including comparable, investment and residual. Adhered to RICS ‘Code of Measuring Practice’ while inspecting and measuring properties. Further developed communication and interpersonal skills liaising with different parties (client, local agents, financers). Provided business rates advice to clients and successfully negotiated rate reductions with officers from the VOA. Required me to investigate rental values and rateable values for comparable properties. Encouraged to meet deadlines in order to satisfy both clients and the officers dealing with the case. Logically assisted building surveying consultants carry out schedule of dilapidations, home buyer surveys and condition surveys allowing me to improve problem solving skills and my attention to detail.Assisted with residential development consultancy, meeting with clients, architects, measurement surveyors, planners and agents. Carried out small scale searches for properties deemed suitable for investment.Attended various educational conferences and seminars about valuation, dilapidations and business rates.By carrying out the work placement I achieved a Diploma in Professional Practice.