Chris Newman

My decision was largely based on the fact that I just found it interesting. I wanted to make sure that I enjoyed the subject that I would be studying for the next three years.

Geography covers a number of different skills and disciplines, and I was keen to keep my future options as open as possible – geography ticked all those boxes.

The topics covered were contemporary and relevant, and it was very easy to see the theories and principles at work in international and national politics and current affairs.

The lecturers were all passionate about their specialist areas and were always open to being questioned and having discussions about the course matter.

Loughborough gave me the opportunity to study a subject about which I was passionate, in an environment that both challenged and developed my views and ideas. The skills that I learned during my time are the foundation of what I do on a day-to-day basis.

Say ‘yes’ to everything. Doing as much as possible (both academically and socially) will allow you to get the most out of your time at Loughborough.

I was an enthusiastic (if not particularly talented) sportsman, so took part in and watched as much sport as was possible across my four years at Loughborough.

Saturdays tended to involve several hours watching hockey or rugby, and on as many other days as was possible, we would be playing sports ranging from Badminton to Ultimate Frisbee – taking in everything else in between.

Having the opportunities to be involved in these activities was a good way to blow off steam with friends, and was an important part of finding a good balance between studying and socialising.

After finishing my Geography degree I decided to stay on at Loughborough for another year to complete a Master’s Degree in International Financial and Political Relations.

My first role after this was at a housing association, where I worked for several years within the asset team. I was responsible for carrying out analysis on the financial performance of the organisation’s assets, and managing the planned investment programme in over 6,000 properties.

I also resumed my studies part-time, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Real Estate Investment.

I moved to Savills in January 2018, where I provide consultancy advice across a range of housing-related issues to housing associations and local authorities across the country.

I am currently an Associate in Savills Affordable Housing Consultancy team. I provide support and advice to housing associations and local authorities on issues such as asset management and financial viability, governance, mergers, and the trading of tenanted homes.

I work within a great team who are all motivated by the desire to make a positive contribution within the affordable housing sector.

It is hugely rewarding to be working in a sector that ranks so highly on the political agenda at the moment.

The diverse nature of our clients gives us a range of projects – making each day a little different to the last.

At the moment I’m not sure… I have a job that I love, but have only really scratched the surface of what I am able to do within the sector. So for the foreseeable future I will be navigating my way through the world of Affordable Housing.

Given the difficulties that came with balancing a post-graduate qualification with a full-time job across a 24-month period I would have to say it was achieving a distinction in my postgraduate diploma. Finishing it was certainly the most relieved I have been in my career!