From Mentor to Milestone: How Industry Professionals can support Young Talent

By Eleanor Collins

The property finance industry offers immense opportunities for young professionals eager to make their mark. From accountancy to real estate, the industry encompasses a broad range of skills. Yet, entering this dynamic sector can feel daunting without proper guidance. Mentorship and supportive colleagues play a pivotal role in helping newcomers navigate complexities, transforming potential into meaningful success.

At MSP Capital, we encourage continual learning and for our team to always think of better ways of working. This has proven invaluable for the development of both individuals and the industry. By nurturing relationships between well-established professionals and emerging talent, MSP highlights the critical role support plays in developing people’s careers.

Building Bridges to Success

Joe Sheppard, Building Surveyor at MSP Capital, attributes much of his career development to the mentorship he received early on. “Starting out, gaining the respect of professionals was a challenge. Shadowing my mentor gave me the confidence to handle interactions with professionals and clients independently,” Joe shares. Through this hands-on guidance, he developed not only technical skills but also the interpersonal confidence necessary for success.

Similarly, Ruby Devadason, Compliance Analyst, emphasises how learning from others helped her navigate her professional environment. “I admired my managers ability to balance approachability with professionalism,” she reflects. Ruby’s mentor became an essential source of insights, offering both technical advice and strategies for thriving in a fast-paced workplace.

The Employer’s Perspective and Lasting Impact

The benefit of mentorship often extends beyond the younger professionals; it can also positively impact mentors and employers. Duncan Ovens, Senior Finance Analyst, finds immense satisfaction in witnessing his team’s growth. “Watching someone work hard, learn, and build a successful life is incredibly rewarding,” Duncan remarks.

For Duncan, effective mentorship requires striking a balance between guidance and independence. “It’s crucial to distinguish between offering advice and making decisions for them,” he explains. By encouraging autonomy, mentors empower mentees to develop their own decision-making capabilities—an essential skill in any career.”

A Culture of Collaboration

At MSP Capital, adopting a supportive workplace culture is a collective priority. Rachel Bartlett, Head of Marketing & People, highlights how an approachable leadership style has shaped the company’s culture.

“During my time as Head of Marketing & People, I’ve come to realise the importance of leaders and mentors being approachable. We’re lucky with the culture at MSP that all the senior leaders are happy to help wherever they can, and despite our ongoing growth, we still see ourselves as a tight-knit group. This has led to several informal mentorships across the business, which have worked well.”

Through initiatives like sponsoring The Property Podcast, MSP Capital actively engages with the broader industry to spotlight the value of mentorship. Rachel reflects on a recent episode “All four guests emphasised the importance of mentors, teams, and managers in their early careers. It really opened my eyes to how vital this support is.”

A Two-Way Exchange

Mentorship is not just about guidance from experienced professionals, it’s a reciprocal relationship where both parties learn and grow. Duncan Ovens highlights this dynamic, noting, “People starting out bring refreshing ideas. Sometimes, it’s more important to listen than to speak.” Using this exchange of perspectives, mentorship creates opportunities for innovation and encourages mentors to remain open to new approaches and ideas.

For young professionals, seeking out mentorship can be transformative. Joe Sheppard advises, “Learn from those who have experience beyond your own.” Actively seeking guidance, asking questions, and observing how experienced colleagues approach challenges can provide invaluable lessons that textbooks or training alone cannot offer.

Ultimately, success in the property finance industry is rarely achieved in isolation. For mentors, the rewards come from watching the next generation thrive, while for mentees, it’s about embracing opportunities to grow under the guidance of those who have walked the path before them. This mutual investment in learning and growth ensures that the industry continues to evolve, driven by fresh ideas and shared expertise.

Click here to watch 'Breaking into UK Property Industry: Young professionals share their journey' podcast.