Philip Hirst
click here to meet Philip Hirst (video)
“I completed my first degree in Business Administration in 2001 and subsequently worked in various regulatory and advisory positions within the built environment industry. However, I had never had direct experience of development and was keen to secure a position in Project Management more closely involved with real projects. I also wanted to gain a relevant qualification and professional accreditation.
The Graduate Training Programme at Swan looked like an ideal opportunity to meet these goals and I was very pleased to have secured a place on it.
When starting at Swan, I was involved with live projects right from the start and given real responsibilities. A high level of support was also available from team mates and senior managers, including a dedicated mentor.
The training is excellent and included placements with external companies such as an architects and solicitors office, a course in urban design and I am studying on a part time MSc course in Real Estate Development and Investment. I am also looking to begin my Assessment of Professional Competance to become a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
The development department is an open, ambitious and rewarding place to work and there are lots of opportunities to progress.
I am currently managing a scheme of 400 new units on a former hospital site and another scheme of 100 units on a former industrial site. Both of these schemes include units for private sale which will fund further affordable housing and it is good to know the profits from these units will be used for a good cause.”