Andrew McIvor – Diploma in Residential Estate Agency

What is your background?

'At the time of studying the qualification I was managing a residential estate agency. I am now a tutor for MOL.'

How did you find time to study?

'Time management and self-discipline were the main issues when studying, which is why it was really useful to have a tutor at the end of the phone to bounce ideas off.'

Any tips you can share with other MOL students?

'Everyone learns differently. But I do feel that studying for shorter periods of time, more often, is more effective than marathon study sessions. My tutor provided me with useful study techniques, helping me to discover which technique best suited my personality.'

Now you have the qualification what have you done with it?

'Once qualified, I automatically received 'fellow member' status with NAEA (making me the highest accredited employee in my agency). I was also amazed to discover I had been awarded not only the annual award for my course, but also the Charles Barnes overall Student of the Year Award 2005. Having the knowledge obtained through my studies certainly improved my professional performance, raising the profile of my agency branch within the local area. I was also the only professionally qualified Branch Manager/Valuer within our territory – a great unique selling point for our organisation.'

How did enrolling on the MOL support course help?

'Without support I was worried the course material would arrive and spend the next six months gathering dust. My tutor set targets for me and continually assessed my performance. This certainly motivated me to press on with the course.'

Was there a particular section of the qualification you found more challenging? How was it challenging and what did you do to overcome the difficulties?

'For someone who has never previously tried to write a technical document, I found the prospect of writing a research project extremely daunting and did not have the first idea where to begin. My tutor offered clear and concise guidance, along with continual assessment of submitted extracts to ensure I was moving in the right direction.'

How did you find the project part of your Diploma?

'The project I completed was based around the introduction of HIPs, which seemed pertinent at the time. I passed on recommendations outlined within my research to the owner of the agency whom I was thrilled to find actually took my ideas on board.'