THE MATRICS COMMUNITY More than networking: Building the future through Matrics

Kirsty White

Kirsty is Matric Engagement Lead at RICS.

RICS Logo

Kirsty’s enthusiasm for Matrics bursts through this article. Kirsty illustrates how RICS Matrics can support new professionals in many ways as their careers develop. 

Almost five years ago, I joined RICS as the Matrics Engagement Lead and, if I’m honest, I had no idea what I’d signed up for. The person before me had been in the role for 25 years – 25 years! I remember thinking, how can anyone do the same job for that long? 

Now I know exactly why. 

Because looking after Matrics isn’t just a job – it’s a privilege. And without a doubt, it’s the best job at RICS. 

The Matrics community 

For those of you who may not know, Matrics is our early career community. It’s there to support students, apprentices, trainees and those newly qualified (up to 10 years) as they step into the industry. But more than that, it gives people a voice. A platform to influence the future of the profession, to build networks, and to support each other through what can sometimes feel like a daunting journey. 

And importantly, there’s no age limit. As long as you’re within those first 10 years of qualifying, you belong here. We’re seeing more and more people come into surveying as a second career and that diversity of experience is something we actively want to celebrate and learn from. 

Right now, we have 27 committees across the UK, and we’re continuing to grow. Each one is connected to a university delivering an RICS-accredited course, helping us bring students closer to the profession from day one. Together, those committees deliver over 200 events every year. From socials like bowling, painting and padel, to site visits, seminars, webinars, candidate support sessions, and careers events – we’re creating opportunities for people to connect, learn and grow. And we’re always looking for new ideas to make it even better. 

But here’s the reality – we know not everyone who could benefit from Matrics is engaging with it yet. And I truly believe that sometimes, it comes down to one simple thing: nerves. 

So let me let you in on a secret. Everyone is nervous. Every single person who walks into any networking event feels it. That hesitation. That moment of doubt. It’s human nature – putting yourself out there is hard. 

The very first Matrics event I went to was in Glasgow. I wanted to show from day one that I was committed to every committee across the country, so I jumped straight in and off to Scotland I went! And may I add – I was nervous myself! 

 RICS Presentation

And that night, I saw something I’ll never forget. 

Picture it: a busy bar, packed with people. A young lad walks in, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. Shoulders hunched, eyes down – you could almost see him debating whether to turn around and leave. 

But he didn’t get the chance. One of the committee members spotted him, walked straight over, introduced themselves, and brought him into the group. Within five minutes, genuinely, everything had changed. He was talking, laughing, moving around the room. By the end of the night, he was connecting with people on LinkedIn, building relationships that could shape his future. 

That was the moment it clicked for me. That’s Matrics. 

It’s not just events. It’s not just networking. It’s about people showing up for each other. It’s about opening doors. It’s about confidence, growth, and belonging. 

A member told me recently that she attended a Matrics event six years ago, made a connection, and only recently called on that relationship, bringing new business to her employer. That opportunity started with a single conversation at Matrics. 

I’ve seen it firsthand, too. One member who was shy and reserved stood on stage at the RICS AGM, commanding the room with confidence and clarity – skills she built through Matrics. 

Matrics gives you the skills you might not always build in your day job – leadership, confidence, organisation, communication… the list goes on. It raises your profile in the profession, opening doors to connect with senior surveyors, executives, and industry leaders from experienced public sector professionals to figures like the President of RICS and CEOs of major organisations. 

But just as importantly, it connects you with people on the same journey as you – people who understand the challenges, support your growth, and grow alongside you. 

When I left university with a BA in Geography, all I knew was that I wanted to watch buildings grow – to see them rise from the ground and stand tall in our city skylines. And while I may not be building those structures myself, I get to witness something just as powerful. I get to watch people grow. 

That’s what drives me. That’s what gets me out of bed every morning – seeing individuals come into this profession unsure of themselves, and watching them become confident, capable, and, quite frankly, superstars… with the support of Matrics. 

And on that note of superstars… 

Matrics Surveyors Awards 

Matthew Tallis FRICS with Neil A’Bear, Lauren Lemke and Jeff Brazier

We’re about to launch the Matrics Surveyor Awards for its 13th year. And, quite fittingly, this year’s ceremony will take place on Friday 13 November in Manchester – where we’ll celebrate 13 outstanding winners on the night. 

These awards recognise the very best across our profession – from pathway specialists to those making a real impact, to the future talent coming through as students, graduates and apprentices, and the mentors supporting them along the way. And ultimately, one of those winners will be crowned Matrics Surveyor of the Year. 

Entries aren’t open just yet but keep an eye on our website and social media, because this is your opportunity to celebrate the people who are shaping the future of our profession. 

And if you’re wondering what that recognition can mean, I’ll leave you with this from Matthew Talliss, our 2025 Matrics Surveyor of the Year: 

“I’m incredibly proud and delighted to be announced as the winner… I found the surveying profession in my mid-twenties and retrained to become a surveyor, so to go from retraining to winning the award is incredible. Thanks to all on my journey so far – the award inspires me more than ever to promote our industry, champion sustainable practices, and support as many people as I can.” 

And that, right there, is what Matrics is all about. 

If you want to find out more, or sign up to one of our upcoming events, head over to RICS Matrics UK. 

Come along, get involved, and take that first step – because you never know where it might lead. 

We’d love to see you there, and more importantly, we can’t wait to watch you grow into the superstar we know you can be.