Gaining a competitive advantage with the 'golden standard': Meet Mateusz Szymczak MRICS
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27 September 2024
1. Why did you decide to pursue your APC and become chartered by RICS?
The "golden standard" that the APC represents in real estate is the major reason I chose to apply to become a chartered member of RICS. I had been thinking about becoming chartered by RICS for almost 8 years, but once I committed, it took me about six months to get through the process. Acquiring the certificate is significant to me since it demonstrates my drive and enthusiasm for my career. Additionally, joining a professional body offers me the chance to network with a large number of other professionals and provides me with a wealth of learning opportunities that complement my role in the international real estate private equity fund. It helps me handle projects more effectively and stay up to date with industry trends.
2. What have you learnt during the APC process so far that you think will benefit you as your career evolves?
Since undertaking the APC process, I have further developed important skills such as financial modeling, investment management, and due diligence. These skills helped me enhance my knowledge of real estate finances and develop a deeper sense of concern towards sustainability, as ESG becomes prominent. Learning how to think about a project from beginning to end, without compromising on principles, has expanded my judgment and stakeholder advisory skills in achieving financial objectives while considering the overall scope of the project. These abilities will hopefully come in useful as I advance in my career.
Mateusz Szymczak MRICS
3. What’s been the most challenging aspect of the APC process during your journey?
Completing the entire APC process was a real challenge, especially while juggling the demanding submission requirements with my role as an Investment Manager. The toughest part was probably writing the case studies while making sure I covered every detail needed to demonstrate the required competencies at certain level.
4. Has the journey towards becoming a member helped you grow/develop in your current role?
I have still not had an opportunity to fully appreciate or discover all the benefits of being a member as I have not had the membership for long. I was accepted as a chartered member of RICS in July 2024.
Nevertheless, I believe it will give me a competitive advantage in the marketplace in the future. I will attend the RICS Built Environment European Summit in Bilbao, Spain in October 2024, and I am looking forward to the opportunity of meeting members from other countries and growing my network. With the number of chartered members increasing, particularly in international markets, I believe that holding this prestigious designation will become a benchmark for leadership roles in my industry.
5. How do you think this status will help your career, your business, or the team that you lead?
I am confident that gaining chartered status with RICS will greatly improve my credibility with investors, advisors, colleagues, and others in the industry. They are likely to appreciate the prestige of the title and recognize that it demonstrates my dedication to the highest ethical standards.
This will not only enhance trust in the recommendation that I make but also increase confidence in the way the portfolio is managed and support investment process. This added trust will reinforce confidence in my recommendations but also assure stakeholders that the portfolio is being managed with rigor and integrity.
6. What advice would you give potential candidates who might be considering the journey towards membership at RICS?
Get the RICS membership as soon as you can, as it will help all your professional activities. Retaining the title for the extended period will be beneficial for your career, and obtaining it early gives you more time under professional recognition and expand your network. RICS members also gain access to international experts and high-quality materials, which can accelerate career development.
