How do I apply for the Savills graduate programme?
View our current vacancies.
Traditionally graduate applications are only open between September to December (depending on the pathway). All ad-hoc vacancies will also be posted on this page throughout the year.
What is the RICS and RTPI?
Do I get paid on the internship programmes?
Insight Programme |
No – We will cover up to £100 of expenses for the week you spend in the business. |
Summer Scheme |
Yes – We will pay all students the Real Living Wage for the 4-6 weeks they spend in the business. |
What am I applicable to apply for?
Programme |
Who is applicable? |
Apprenticeship |
Students who have completed their A-Levels (applicants must have the equivalent of 96 UCAS points for Surveying roles and 104 UCAS points for Planning roles) |
Insight Programme |
First year cognate students |
Summer Scheme |
Second year cognate and final year non cognate university students |
Sandwich Placement |
Second year cognate university students preferable but second year non-cognates can apply |
Graduate Scheme |
Third year and Masters cognate university students. Third year non-cognate students can apply but will need to complete an RICS or RTPI Masters whilst on the Graduate Scheme, if you're applying to a surveying or planning pathway. |
If my application is unsuccessful then do I get feedback?
For internship programmes, we do not offer detailed feedback due to the high volume of applications that we receive and the quick turnaround of the process, however we will supply you with application tips should you be unsuccessful.
For the graduate programme, we offer a 15 minute feedback call for anyone that we have seen at either an assessment centre or interview, but do not offer feedback from the application stage due to the very high volume of applications we receive. Generic tips on applications can be found on our website.
Can I apply to multiple pathways at in the same year?
We advise that candidates only apply for one pathway. It looks better to the reader if you are clear and decisive regarding the specific pathway you have chosen to apply for. Our screeners will be aware of all of the applications made and it can therefore look as though you are less dedicated and haven’t done your research if you apply to many. However if you are really torn between two pathways, we ask that you tailor your application for each.
Do you have an input into where you rotate to?
Stuart Paterson - Location: London, Team: central london and international investment, Pathway: Commercial, 2nd year
On the London rotation, Savills offers six 4 month rotations across the two year training programme. Whilst the decision is made by HR in conjunction with advice from our Supervisor and Counsellor, we are asked to list three preferences which are also weighed up with the experience required for us to confidently sit our APC. The Graduate team encourage us to network with teams we would like to rotate into, and also provides team presentations for us to learn more about what they do.
How does your team work together?
Tom Harris - Location: London, Team: Operational Capital Markets, Pathway: Residential, 2nd year graduate
I work in the Operational Capital Markets (OCM) division, which has approximately 75 people and is on an exciting growth trajectory. OCM covers the Residential, Student Accommodation, Senior Living and Healthcare sectors. We provide valuation, consultancy, financing and transactional services for all these sectors - across the UK and Europe. Most team members specialise in a particular service for one of the sectors, with graduates providing support across all service lines and sectors. The division is well integrated, with an active Social Committee and team work strongly encouraged. This culture of collaboration allows us to utilise the different skills and specialities of the entire team when working on mandates, to provide the best possible service for our clients.
Hannah Booker - Location: Wimborne, Team: Planning, Pathway: Planning, 2nd year graduate
The Wimborne Planning team is made up of 22 wonderful individuals, all with their own specialisms ranging from large scale renewable energy projects to housing, sport and retail focused endeavours to name a few. Primarily the team specialises in projects requiring Environmental Impact Asessment. This makes the work we undertake really diverse, and team working is usually organised on a project by project basis, with those best suited to the project taking the lead. For grads this means exposure to a wide range of planning and EIA work as we tend to support multiple senior colleagues on various projects at the same time. It is a great team for exposure to general planning as well as those projects requiring a little more technical knowledge.
Do you go on inspections? What's the best bit of the job?
Chloe Prince - Location: London, Team: Valuation, Pathway: Valuation, 2nd year graduate
This really depends on how busy we are/the time of the year but I’d say an average of once or twice a week. We tend to look at a lot of portfolios which usually means a whole day out of the office inspecting. The best thing about my job is the diversity of assets we value which keeps the job interesting and means you are constantly learning something new. We also focus on assets nationally as well as London and the road trips and exploring of other cities is always fun!
Emma Caudwell - Location: Lincoln, Team: Rural, Pathway: Rural, 2nd year graduate
This can vary week to week and month to month depending on what work you have got on at the time. There are some weeks where you are out of the office pretty much the whole week and then others times where you don’t get out for a week or two. However, I would estimate on average I leave the office for an inspection or some sort of visit once a week.
The variety without a doubt. I work with a diverse range of clients across an array of contrasting Estates. I am exposed to work that covers many sectors including management, consultancy, valuation, legal, planning, diversification, and much more. No day is the same and it is that variety that keeps my role interesting and ensures I am constantly learning and developing.
How do I contact the graduate recruitment team?
Please email gradrecruitment@savills.com
How do I go about getting work experience with you?
We offer two centrally organised internship programmes and ad-hoc work shadowing:
Summer Scheme Programme
This is a 4-6 week paid placement in either June, July or August. We offer roles across the disciplines within our UK business, and also have opportunities for students to work in our European offices. This is a great introduction into property where students can go to client meetings, conduct research and attend site visits. We also hold departmental overviews, and lunch meetings with Directors. Ultimately it is a taste of Savills life. Our Summer Scheme applications open in March and the process consists of two stages; the first being an online application with a CV and covering letter, and the second being a mini assessment day (for London Surveying) or a telephone/face to face interview for all other pathways and locations.
Insight Programme
Our insight programme is designed for 1st year cognate (property) students and runs for a week in March/April. We take on 50 students throughout the UK, giving them an insight into property and a taste of Savills culture. Applications open in February.
Ad-Hoc Work Shadowing
We offer work shadowing on a case by case basis. This can be offered to any student (school or university, from the age of 16) at any time of the year. Work shadowing is not organised by the Graduate Team, the student should contact the team they are interested in directly . All contact details and locations of teams can be found here on our website.
What is the application process like?
Edward Brooksbank - Location: Inverness, Team: Rural, Pathway: Rural, 1st year graduate
Unlike the majority of graduates, I did not join Savills the conventional way by going through the usual recruitment process. My local Savills office was looking for a graduate to start with immediate effect, so I had two interviews and a week’s trial/work experience and was offered the job at the end of it. I found this to be an enjoyable process and it gave me a great insight into how I would be spending my time in a permanent position.
Amelia Brook - Location: Chelmsford, Team: Development, Pathway: Valuation, 1st year graduate
The application process requires you to go through three rounds: online application, assessment centre and interview. Although it may seem daunting at first, it can actually end up being a fun process! The assessment centre was something I was particularly nervous about beforehand. However, I ended up enjoying the day and I am still in contact with the other successful candidates. Some of my assessors are now my teammates. Every Savills employee I met throughout the process was both friendly and approachable and genuinely appeared to want me to succeed making the whole process a lot more enjoyable.
What differentiates the Savills graduate scheme?
Amelia Brook - Location: Chelmsford, Team: Development, Pathway: Valuation, 1st year graduate
Savills primarily differentiates itself from other property firms with its first class APC training. The support provided can only be described as faultless! It is clear that Savills is very invested in their graduates’ learning and development. I have already been on multiple full day training sessions in London and to many CPD workshops allowing me to feel confident in my professional development. In addition, graduates are offered great support throughout their daily work from their team members, managers and colleagues – everyone in the company is more than happy to stop and help you, whether that be a director or newly qualified colleague. This allows you to feel like a valued member of the Savills community from the beginning.
I applied to other schemes as a backup, but having undertaken work experience with my current office in Chelmsford prior to applying, I knew that Savills was where I wanted to be!
Edward Brooksbank - Location: Inverness, Team: Rural, Pathway: Rural, 1st year graduate
Firstly, Savills has a strong reputation amongst graduates for its high APC pass rate. Additionally, the opportunity to work closely with directors is highly beneficial for learning and development purposes. Unlike other firms, a Savills graduate contract is not just for two years until you pass your APC, but it is a permanent contract. Not only did this differentiate Savills from other companies, but was a huge pull factor for me, showing that Savills is willing to invest in your future long term.
ELEANOR GUMPEL - LOCATION: LONDON, TEAM: COMMERCIAL ROTATION, PATHWAY: COMMERCIAL, 1ST YEAR GRADUATE
I applied to 6 different graduate schemes and chose to join the one at Savills because it offered the most rotations. I wanted to be able to work with a variety of teams (development, investment, valuation, etc.) to help me decide which role I most enjoy and which team I would be interested in joining permanently. I had met many friendly people at Savills on my work experience/internship and so already had a positive perception of the firm and its culture. Throughout the application process it felt like I got to know Savills and the people working there even better, with senior employees getting involved with final interviews and many employees and heads of teams joining the applicants for networking events.
What offices are your programmes operated in?
Our programmes are located throughout offices in the UK, depending on the team’s needs. Our office locations can be found here .
What is a cognate and non-cognate?
A cognate refers to somebody who is either studying towards or who has obtained an RICS or RTPI accredited degree (e.g. Real Estate, Town Planning etc.). A non-cognate is someone who is not studying towards or has not obtained an RICS or RTPI accredited degree (e.g. Geography, Business studies, English Literature).
Is the APC what you expected when you were at uni?
Luqmaan Kholwadia - Location: Southampton, Team: Planning, Pathway: Planning, 1st year graduate
During my time at University, the APC was portrayed as the next natural stepping stone in one’s career upon completion of an accredited Masters programme which provides a solid foundation. The APC was depicted as a highly significant process for all planner’s, focussing on reflective practice and gaining experience which recognises one’s professional status.
Savills shares this enthusiasm in achieving the APC and promotes the adoption of a reflective working mind-set early on. This is further enhanced by the fantastic platform Savills has to offer, in terms of the opportunity to work on a whole host of projects alongside colleagues with vast knowledge and experience.
How do you study for APC, alongside day-to-day work?
ELEANOR SMITH - LOCATION: LEEDS, TEAM : UK INVESTMENT, PATHWAY: VALUATION, 2ND YEAR GRADUATE
I am six months away from sitting my APC, and throughout my training Savills have really supported me. The experience in the working day is so varied and regular APC catchups meant that when it came to writing my submission I had plentiful examples and I am on track. Additionally, there are regular CPD events held internally and externally which has extended my knowledge further. The support from my supervisor, counsellor and peers at all levels is exceptional, this portrays the wider company ethos where everyone is willing to help anyone. As I am getting closer to my APC, it is also very evident that my colleagues are understanding of the additional work load and help towards this the best they can.
What is the APC training programme like at Savills?
Aran Uner - Location: London, Team: Commercial VALUATION, Pathway: Commercial, 2nd year graduate
The support you get is unparalleled. We’re consistently provided with information in order to feel as comfortable and prepared as possible for the APC. Not only are we provided with an APC mentor and counsellor throughout the process, but we’re also supported through APC training days where we have in depth discussions about how best to approach the qualification. I’ve always felt that I’ve been surrounded by people more than happy to help with my training, which has been very re-assuring.
James Griffin - Location: Oxford, Team: Planning, Pathway: Planning, 2nd year graduate
As part of the Graduate Programme, Savills provides support to all graduates right through to submission approximately 2 years later. Whether you intend to become RTPI or RICS accredited, each graduate is assigned a mentor to guide you through the APC process. Savills also hosts APC training days twice a year where graduates meet up and attend workshops and training events. The APC process with Savills provides support and structure throughout the Graduate Programme.
Amelia Glanville - Location: Peterborough, Team: Rural, Pathway: Rural, 2nd year graduate
The APC training programme at Savills is very supportive. There is always someone from the Graduate team on hand to answer any questions you may have. They arrange numerous different types of training activities and keep them fun and interesting.
What's the most interesting project you've worked on?
Abigail Heraty - Location: London, Team: Planning Central East, Pathway: Planning, 2nd year graduate
My first planning permission was securing consent for a 444 bedroom hotel at the Criterion Building in Westminster, situated in the heart of London’s West End with direct frontage onto Piccadilly Circus.
Chris Pike - Location: London, Team: Building and Project Consultancy, Pathway: Building Surveying, 2nd year graduate
The ongoing conversion of a listed building into a hotel and private residences, in the heart of London. With alterations including the creation of five additional basement levels and a project value of over £1b, this underlines the ambition of the developer and what they are trying to create here.
Ryan Fellows - Location: Manchester, Team: Property Management, Pathway: Commercial, 2nd year graduate
The most interesting but also challenging task I have worked on so far has been managing a shopping centre during the Covid-19 pandemic. Working simultaneously with both landlord and tenant is crucial, particularly as many retailers experience shut downs and landlords experience loss of income. We have had to adapt our sites to incorporate social distancing measures to ensure we are protecting, staff, occupiers and customers. On top of this we must provide daily updates to our clients with accurate government legislation which is ever changing.
Do you accept late applications?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept late applications to any role as our applicant tracking system will not allow it. All applications must be completed via our website, we cannot accept CVs and cover letters that are emailed to us. We publish all application dates on our website and send candidates reminders to submit.
Is there one person in the team that you mainly work for?
Molly Ashton - Location: Nottingham, Team: Development, Pathway: Planning and Development, 1st year graduate
There is not one person specifically in our team that I work with, our team offers a few different service lines and as a graduate we informally rotate between those lines of work. This means that at the moment I work alongside two directors but in the future I will be working more with our other director. As a graduate you are able to work on lots of different projects if you have capacity so it means you end up working with lots of different people, even those in different teams or offices.
Do you ever work with other graduates?
Oliver Farrington - Location: London, Team: Valuation, Pathway: Valuation, 1st year graduate
As a fixed graduate in Valuation, I work with other graduates in various ways. I usually work quite closely with rotating graduates that complete 4 month rotations within my team on larger projects and portfolios. I also communicate with other graduates in the department on a daily basis by sharing market insights when compiling reports.
How do you juggle uni, day-to-day work, and the APC?
Joe Rosenblatt - Location: London, Team: UK investment, Pathway: Commercial, 2nd year graduate
Undertaking the MSc alongside work and the APC is definitely challenging, and does require some sacrifices (including the odd weekend). However, I have found that it is very manageable with some simple time management strategies, and has so far helped with my day-today work in that I’m learning the theory through my studies, and then applying it in my work.
N.B. Studying alongside the APC pushes back your APC date by six months, meaning you are on the graduate scheme for 2.5 years. This is because you spend 1 day per week studying the degree, and need a certain amount of days experience in order to sit your APC.
Can you apply if this will be your 2nd career?
We welcome applications regardless of a candidate’s previous career, age, or how long it has been since they graduated. As long as you have a passion for the industry and an undergraduate degree, you are eligible for our graduate programme.
Do internship locations affect where I get a Grad job?
We would encourage you to apply for an internship in the location that you would like to obtain a permanent role in. This is particularly important for the Summer Scheme as we are able to offer graduate roles for the next year off the back of the scheme. We cannot offer permanent roles for a location that you did not complete your internship in.
What is required for an Urban Design Application?
Please ensure you are able to provide a copy of your design portfolio when requested to do so. We are unable to progress any applications that do not have a portfolio.
If I' ve applied before unsuccessfully, can I apply again?
Certainly. We review all applications anew. If you have not been successful previously, please utilise the feedback provided and apply again.
What is the minimum criteria for applying?
There is no minimum criteria beyond obtaining an undergraduate degree, just a desire to work for Savills. Relevant work experience shows us dedication to the industry but this can also be conveyed through your covering letter and essay questions.
Can I apply for work shadowing outside of placements?
Unfortunately the Graduate Recruitment team do not organise ad-hoc work shadowing. If you would like to obtain some experience outside of our set schemes, please liaise with the offices and specific teams directly, who will be able to confirm if they are able to offer this. All contact details and locations of teams can be found here on our website.
When will I hear back regarding my application?
Once you have submitted your online application, you will receive a confirmation email containing the date we will get back to you by.
When do you recruit Sandwich Placement students?
Sandwich placement applications open at the same time as the Graduate Programme i.e. the Autumn.
Why is it beneficial to complete a Sandwich placement?
It is beneficial to you because you will have 12 months experience in the Company, most of which you can put towards your APC.
This will reduce the length of your graduate training by at least 6 months. It also remains one of the best ways to gain a place onto our Graduate Programme.
Can only cognates apply for Sandwich placements?
The majority of our Sandwich students are completing an RICS accredited degree, however we do take on some non-cognates.
As a Sandwich Placement, what kind of work will I do?
You will be treated the exact same as a Graduate and get involved in a variety of projects. You will attend meetings, go on site visits and support all members of the team.