Commercial Real Estate Graduate
Closing Date - 25th October 2026
Start Date - September 2027
£30,000 - £32,000 + benefits (depending on location)
In joining CBRE’s Next Generation Cohort, you will be shaping the future of Real Estate. You will have excellent training and mentoring from industry experts and specialists, who will share invaluable knowledge and experience with you. You will be a part of a wider cohort of like-minded young professionals who you will develop with in your career. We give you the opportunity to work on world class projects, with an unmatched portfolio of clients, so that you gain the knowledge, skills and ability to become the future leaders and our Next Generation of CBRE.
About the Opportunity
Our Commercial Graduate programme is 24 months long and offers the breadth of experience needed to work at the heart of the real estate industry. The programme focuses on three core business areas, which you may rotate through during your two years. When you apply, you will have the opportunity to indicate your area of preference, helping us match you to the team where you can make the greatest impact.
This structured programme is centred on the completion of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Non-cognate pathway: Students will still complete their APC within the 2-year timeframe, but in addition will complete a part-time RICS-accredited Masters over the 2 years, fully funded by CBRE.
Our Three Core Business Areas
The programme centres on three specialist areas of commercial real estate. Each offers a distinct and rewarding career path, underpinned by CBRE's market-leading expertise and client base.
Valuations
Our Valuation team provides independent, evidence-based assessments of commercial property across all major asset classes, including offices, retail, industrial and mixed-use. As a graduate in this team, you will develop a strong technical grounding in valuation methodology, learn to interpret market evidence and support the preparation of formal valuation reports for lenders, investors, occupiers and public sector clients.
Within this area, our Business Rates team advises clients on their rates liability across their commercial property portfolios. You will assist in challenging assessments at appeal, analysing rating lists and calculating rating liabilities - developing specialist expertise that is highly sought after across the industry.
Capital Markets
CBRE's Capital Markets team sits at the heart of the UK's investment property market, advising clients on the acquisition and disposal of commercial real estate assets. Our graduates in this team gain hands-on experience supporting investment transactions across sectors including offices, retail, industrial and logistics, along with opportunities within our broader Capital Advisory teams such as Real Estate Investment Banking and Debt.
You will contribute to deal analysis and underwriting, conduct market research, prepare investor presentations and support the execution of complex, high-value transactions. This area offers exceptional exposure to clients including institutional investors, REITs, developers and private equity funds.
Leasing
Our Leasing team advises landlords and occupiers across the full leasing lifecycle - from marketing and letting commercial space to lease advisory, renewals and restructuring. Graduates in this team develop strong commercial acumen and client relationship skills, working across a broad range of asset types including offices, retail and industrial.
Day-to-day activity includes conducting property inspections and viewings, preparing marketing materials and sales particulars, drafting heads of terms and reporting to clients. This area also encompasses our Occupier Hub, where graduates gain experience advising occupier clients on their real estate requirements - from search and acquisition through to lease negotiation and portfolio strategy. It is a fast-paced, client-facing environment where strong communication and negotiation skills are developed quickly.
What You’ll Do
- Attending client meetings and presenting your findings, gaining valuable experience in client interaction and communication.
- Participating in regular training sessions and workshops to enhance your professional skills and knowledge in commercial real estate.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive real estate solutions to clients.
- Utilising industry-specific software and real estate analytics tools to perform tasks efficiently, including calculating rental, rating and valuation figures.
- Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities in the commercial real estate sector.
- Inspecting and measuring properties and undertaking viewings.
- Drafting schedules and reports and preparing sales particulars.
- Meeting deadlines set by colleagues, clients and peers.
- Being office-based on each working day, to maximise learning and collaboration within your team.
- Working additional hours from time to time as required by the role.
What You’ll Need
- A forward-thinking and enthusiastic individual with a passion for real estate & the built environment
- Self-motivated with good written and verbal communication skills
- Strong work ethic and proactive with a positive attitude
- Attention to detail, accuracy and good time management
- Permission to work in the UK by the start of employment.
- Cognate students will need a RICS accredited degree or a RICS accredited masters conversion course (achieved or on track for a 2:1 minimum)
- OR, Non-Cognate students from any degree discipline are welcome to apply (achieved or on track for a 2:1 minimum)
- Good MS Office skills including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint*
- A valid driving license (regional offices only)*
* Not an essential requirement for the role, but desired
The Application process
- Online job-focused testing
- Phone screening
- Assessment Centre (held in December or January)
- Interview
Benefits
- Dedicated learning and development team
- Employee discounts
- 25 days holiday + 2 faith days
- Private health care
- Yearly salary reviews and discretionary bonus
- Plus many more...
Why CBRE
When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.
Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.
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2027 Graduate Scheme - Commercial Real Estate in Birmingham employer: CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in Greater London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to mentorship opportunities and professional development while working alongside a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality service. The company also prioritises cost efficiency and compliance, ensuring that your contributions directly impact the success of our operations and client satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2027 Graduate Scheme - Commercial Real Estate in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like CBRE Group, Inc..
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like CBRE Group, Inc.? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit CBRE Group, Inc.'s careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the 2027 Graduate Scheme - Commercial Real Estate role at CBRE Group, Inc., tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at CBRE Group, Inc.
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where CBRE Group, Inc. operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to CBRE Group, Inc.. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at CBRE Group, Inc..
