Celebrating our RREF Network - June

This month we hear from Rohit Venkateshan, an emerging professional who has already made a meaningful contribution to the industry through both his work and commitment to the community. He reflects on his early career journey, the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector today, and the satisfaction he has found in supporting initiatives that help broaden participation in the Real Estate Industry.

I am currently a Surveyor in the Real Estate Finance Valuations team at Knight Frank, having qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in November 2025 after starting on the graduate scheme in October 2023. During the graduate scheme, I had the opportunity to work across both the residential and commercial sides of the business before securing a permanent role in the Commercial Valuations team. Outside of work, I am part of the RG10 committee, the alumni network for graduates from the School of Real Estate and Planning at the University of Reading. I have also volunteered at the ‘Pathways to Property’ summer school and am passionate about widening accessibility within the industry 

What do you love about working in the industry?

What I love most about working in the industry is the people. The sector is built on relationships, and how you manage these can significantly impact your working life. I have had the opportunity to work with some extremely talented individuals who have been instrumental in helping me develop my career. It has also been enjoyable to work alongside some of my peers from Reading and see where our careers take us. I also appreciate the variety within the industry and how you are constantly learning and developing your knowledge. Staying proactive and taking initiative will only help to accelerate your career.

What do you see as some of the key challenges ahead?

One of the main challenges the industry faces is the impact of AI. From my perspective in valuations, we are already using AI to assist with daily tasks. Students and existing industry professionals alike must be receptive to AI and willing to adopt it into their daily routines, as this will enable them to remain competitive in the market. The role of a real estate professional is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the market is crucial. The industry still needs to do more to engage with a wider audience and promote the profession to a broader demographic. It is encouraging to see good progress at the grassroots level, particularly with initiatives like ‘Pathways to Property’ but more needs to be done to ensure that people from underrepresented backgrounds feel comfortable pursuing a career in the industry.

If you could offer some words of wisdom to the students about to graduate from a Real Estate & Planning programme, what would they be?

My biggest piece of advice is to be proactive and gain as much work experience as possible during your time at university. The careers team, led by Jane, provides a wealth of support and guidance, and it is in your best interest to take full advantage of these resources given the competitiveness of the graduate job market. In addition, this industry is built on relationships, so maintaining connections with your peers is essential, as you may find yourselves working together in the future. Finally, the sector is evolving rapidly, with advances in AI creating new opportunities. Stay open-minded, continue developing your skills, and actively engage with emerging technologies to ensure you remain ahead of the curve.

Thank you Rohit for sharing your experiences within your career and your advice for the next generation of Real Estate Professionals!