RICS UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS Opening doors to the profession: Highlights from the 2025 RICS University Open Days
- Danni Foster
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
 | Danni is Next Generation Manager at RICS. |
Another article for the FACES community, here Danni outlines a new venture for RICS to involve young surveyors and embrace the next generation of professionals: “..they are a tangible demonstration of the institution’s commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals, making students feel part of something bigger from day one.” |
This autumn marked an important milestone for the RICS as it hosted its first-ever University Open Days - an exciting new initiative developed by the Next Generation team at RICS, led by Education Lead Luka Mikulandra. Designed to offer students an immersive introduction to the profession and the institution that underpins it, these pilot events took place at RICS’ historic headquarters on Parliament Square and set the tone for what we hope will become a long-running annual tradition.
The intention behind these open days was simple but powerful: to open RICS’ doors both literally and figuratively, to the next generation of surveying professionals. By bringing students into the heart of the institution, the team aimed to demystify the profession, showcase the breadth of surveying pathways, and provide meaningful interactions with early-career surveyors, Matrics members, and senior leaders. Judging by the enthusiasm, engagement, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, the events achieved exactly that.
The day began with an address from Nicholas Maclean OBE RD FRICS IRRV, RICS Acting President, who offered a motivating opening that resonated with new and prospective surveyors. His message was clear: the future of the profession is being shaped right now, and young people entering the field have an essential role to play.
Nick spoke candidly about the opportunities and responsibilities of being part of a globally recognised profession, but also about the sense of purpose that unites surveyors across specialisms. Whether students were interested in land, quantity surveying, valuation, planning, or any other pathway, his message landed with equal weight: this is a profession with real impact, and there has never been a better time to join it.
His welcome set the tone for a day built around engagement, authenticity, and encouragement, elements that many attendees later said helped them feel not only informed but genuinely inspired.
Following the opening address, students were introduced to the RICS, benefits of Chartership, and values of the RICS. These sessions helped demonstrate what the institution actually does, how it supports its members, and why professional standards matter.
Particularly engaging was the interactive ethics activity. Rather than offering a passive overview of the RICS Rules of Conduct, the session encouraged students to explore ethical dilemmas, debate real-world scenarios, and understand why ethics remain the backbone of professional surveying practice. For many, it was a first glimpse into how professional judgement is shaped, not just by technical expertise, but by values.
Student participation
Two early-career surveyors, Danny Waters and Toby Stewart, delivered one of the most relatable and popular elements of the programme: a candid look at “a day in the life” of young professionals in the sector.
Their talks covered everything from the reality of site work and APC preparation, to the rewarding moments when projects turn into tangible outcomes. Students particularly valued hearing about the transition from university to the workplace, and how new graduates can prepare themselves to succeed.
By hearing from people just a few years ahead in their careers, attendees could see pathways that felt achievable and real. The profession may be broad and diverse, but the message was consistent: there is a place for everyone willing to learn, contribute, and grow.
Another key highlight of the open days was the Matrics panel discussion, hosted by Kirsty White, Matrics Engagement Lead, RICS, featuring Kevina Kakembo MRICS, Olivia Caravello MRICS, Julius Carter MRICS, Hallam Parkes MRICS, Luke Hamilton-Jones MRICS and Samuel Sargeant MRICS.
The panel created one of the most energetic discussions of the day. Their conversation ranged widely, from APC journeys and professional challenges to career pivots, mentoring, and the value of community. They spoke openly about the routes they had taken into the profession, often unconventional, demonstrating that surveying offers flexibility and breadth unlike many other career paths.
One attendee, who later shared their feedback with us, said the panel was their favourite session:
“One of the most interesting takeaways for me was seeing how many different routes there are into the profession and hearing the variety of experiences people have had along the way… Being involved with RICS Matrics has boosted my confidence, helped me network with like-minded people locally, and I would hugely recommend getting involved.”
For many students, it was the first time they had heard about RICS Matrics; the network that supports early-career surveyors through events, training, social opportunities, and professional development. Hearing real stories from active Matrics members helped show just how valuable the network can be.
No open day would be complete without an element of fun and the Kahoot! quiz certainly delivered. With chocolates on the line, students competed enthusiastically, testing their newly absorbed knowledge and cheering each other on. It was a welcome moment of light-heartedness that doubled as a clever learning tool.
Combined with the earlier ethics session, these interactive elements helped break the ice and made the day feel active, inclusive, and accessible.
Guided tour of RICS headquarters
For many attendees, the architectural splendour of Parliament Square’s No. 12 was reason enough to make the journey. The building tour offered a rare chance to explore one of London’s outstanding institutional headquarters.
The tour included:
The Lecture Hall – where many of the profession’s most significant conversations have taken place
The Council Chamber – a striking room steeped in the history of RICS decision-making
The Library – a beautiful and atmospheric space preserving generations of professional knowledge
The President’s Dining Room – used for formal events and steeped in tradition
The Roof Terrace – offering a postcard-worthy view across Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, and the Palace of Westminster.
The roof terrace, in particular, left a deep impression:
“…the view from the balcony over Parliament Square is something I won’t forget anytime soon.” Standing above one of London’s most historic locations, surrounded by peers and professionals, many attendees said they felt a renewed determination to pursue their journey toward chartered status.
A student’s perspective: Why it mattered
To capture the student experience more fully, we interviewed one attendee George Jacques, who travelled from Lancashire to join the open day. His reflections sum up the value of the event beautifully.
Why did you attend?
“I first heard about the RICS University Open Day through my lecturer… I used to walk past the HQ when I lived in London and always admired the building. Spending a day there felt like a no-brainer.”
How was the atmosphere?
“Engaging, welcoming and inspiring… everyone was approachable and genuinely enthusiastic about their work or studies.”
Which sessions stood out?
“The Matrics panel was brilliant… The tour was fascinating, and the balcony view was unforgettable.”
What did you learn?
“Advice on networking, getting involved early with Matrics, and staying proactive was really valuable… It gave me a clearer sense of the supportive community within RICS.”
Would you recommend the Open Day to others?
“Absolutely. No matter how far you have to travel, it’s worth it. I left motivated, full of ideas, and with a clear sense of direction.”
RICS purpose
What really sets the RICS University Open Days apart is their purpose. They are not simply recruitment events, they are a tangible demonstration of the institution’s commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals, making students feel part of something bigger from day one.
Those who attended left with:
A clearer understanding of the profession
A sense of belonging within the RICS community
Motivation to pursue chartership
Real connections with peers and professionals
A memory of exploring one of London’s most impressive institutional buildings.
And perhaps most importantly, they left knowing that the RICS is not a distant body operating behind closed doors. It is a community; welcoming, supportive, and invested in the success of its new entrants.
In 2026 we hope to replicate these open days both again at the London HQ but also using our Birmingham office and virtually. If you are studying an RICS accredited degree, look out for further information from your lecturers.
To find out more about Matrics RICS Matrics UK
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