When Aimee Shervell joined FirstPort in 2013, she had just finished university with a degree in German and Marketing. With no prior experience in property management, she stepped into a Customer Advisor role in the Customer Services team. What began as a local opportunity quickly evolved into a long-term career, shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a company that recognised her potential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI started at FirstPort in 2013, just after finishing university. I didn\u2019t know anything about property management at the time. But the company was local, and I knew a few people who worked there, so I applied for a role in customer services. That\u2019s really where it all began.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCustomer service was the real foundation for me. It was challenging but it forced me to learn quickly. I had to understand leases, respond to queries, and find answers. At the time, I didn\u2019t realise how valuable that knowledge would be later in my career.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cQuite early on, I completed both Level 2 and Level 3 The Property Institute (TPI) training. That really helped cement what I\u2019d learned on the job and gave me confidence that I was doing things right. I\u2019ve also done IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) training, and more recently, I\u2019ve been part of the Corndel Management and Leadership Programme. That\u2019s been brilliant for supporting me in my current leadership role.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStart in customer service if you can. It gives you a real understanding of what customers need and the challenges they face. And stick with it, even when it\u2019s tough. There are so many opportunities in this industry if you show commitment. Everything you do now will help shape your future career.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe business has really invested in me, and that makes me feel recognised. It\u2019s a partnership – they support me so I can deliver better service to customers, and that in turn helps the business. I\u2019ve also had support through maternity leave and returning to work, which has meant a lot.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy children are a huge motivation. I\u2019ve got three, and I want to show them that it\u2019s possible to have a career and be a great parent. I want them to see that anything is achievable. Outside of work, I try to stay active. I do home workouts and play netball, which is a great way to switch off and recharge.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHonestly, I think coming in with no knowledge helped me, as I had no preconceptions. I know from experience that our teams care deeply and work hard to support customers. We\u2019re dealing with people\u2019s homes – it\u2019s personal, and we take that seriously.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nQ: How did that first role shape your understanding of the industry?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Q: What kind of training and development have you received at FirstPort?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Q: How has FirstPort supported your growth and development?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Q: What motivates you personally, both in and out of work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Q: Looking back, is there anything you wish you\u2019d known earlier?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ready to join FirstPort?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n