The next generation of valuers: career development opportunities at Walsh & Monaghan
In the busy world of property valuation, hands-on experience and mentorship are paramount. This is where Walsh & Monaghan distinguishes itself as a firm that is genuinely invested in cultivating the next generation of expert property valuers to serve the Shoalhaven, Illawarra, Eurobodalla, Bega and Snowy River regions as well as the Southern Highlands and Sydney. With a legacy spanning over a century, our approach to professional development blends wisdom with innovative, forward-thinking technologies. This creates a nurturing environment where aspiring valuers can not only thrive but also shape their careers with confidence.
The power of knowledge sharing
At Walsh & Monaghan, continuous learning is woven into our daily operations – it’s part of our culture. Lisa Malone, one of our highly experienced Certified Practising Valuers, highlights how the firm maintains its competitive edge through robust information sharing: “We’re actively connected to various industry bodies and real estate groups, and when important updates come through – whether it’s new court cases, regulatory changes, or significant market developments – we share that knowledge across the entire team.” This isn’t just about disseminating information; it’s about fostering a culture of collaborative growth. This ensures that every team member, from the youngest to the longest-serving, and valuer to administrator, stays abreast of the latest industry trends, legislative changes, and best practices. This knowledge-sharing approach ensures our team is always equipped to provide the most current and accurate advice to our clients.
Industry leadership and professional development
Our commitment to professional development is further reinforced by our strong, active ties with the Australian Property Institute (API). “Through our close connection and involvement with the API, we ensure our team has access to the most up-to-date industry information and professional development opportunities,” Lisa explains. This active participation isn’t just about holding the required membership to facilitate our industry accreditations and continued professional development; it’s about shaping the future of the industry.
Director Darren Austin, is a National Director of the API and several senior valuers contribute to API committees, industry forums, even helping to develop best practice guidelines. Valuers’ memberships, as well as the firm’s regular API event sponsorship keeps us at the forefront of industry advancements and allows us to provide our team members with exclusive learning opportunities, such as access to new training modules, webinars presented by industry leaders, and networking events.
Practical learning in diverse markets
One of the most unique and valuable aspects of career development at Walsh & Monaghan is our unwavering emphasis on practical experience across a wide range of property markets.
Andrew Kelkert, Director and Senior Certified Practising Valuer, underscores the importance of this approach: “Working across different markets and property types gives our newer team members invaluable exposure to the realities of valuation work. It’s about getting out there and experiencing the full spectrum of what we do.” This isn’t just theoretical learning; it’s about applying knowledge in real-world scenarios. For instance, a rookie valuer might start with residential properties in a specific suburb, then move on to commercial properties in the CBD, followed by rural land valuations.
Real-world experience and mentorship
Murray Allen, Director and Senior Certified Practising Valuer, provides further insight into the hands-on learning opportunities available at Walsh & Monaghan: “We handle projects of varying complexity and scale, from day-trip assessments to more complex, months-long valuations. This variety provides excellent learning opportunities for our team members at all levels.” This means that our team members aren’t just observing; they’re actively participating in a wide range of projects. A junior valuer might assist a senior valuer on a large-scale commercial project, learning how to manage complex data sets, conduct thorough site inspections, and prepare comprehensive reports. This hands-on experience, coupled with direct mentorship from experienced professionals, accelerates their learning curve and builds confidence.
Commitment to core values
What truly sets Walsh & Monaghan apart in the realm of professional development is our unwavering commitment to our core values, which are deeply ingrained in every aspect of our training and mentorship programs. We believe in focusing on our core work and maintaining the highest of standards. “It’s about ensuring every team member understands not just the technical aspects of valuation, but also our commitment to quality and ethical practice,” says Murray. This means our training goes beyond the technical skills required for property valuation. We emphasise the importance of ethical conduct, client confidentiality, and maintaining our independence. We instil in our team members the understanding that every valuation is not just a number; it’s a reflection of our integrity and commitment to providing fair and unbiased advice. We regularly discuss real-world ethical dilemmas, reinforcing our commitment to upholding the highest professional standards.
The benefits of independence
As a fiercely independent firm, Walsh & Monaghan offers unique advantages for career development that are simply not found in larger, corporate environments.
Our independence allows us to:
- Provide personalised mentorship opportunities:
Each team member has more than one senior valuer who provides tailored guidance and support. - Offer exposure to diverse valuation projects:
Our team members work on a wide variety of projects, gaining broad experience across different property types and markets. - Enable direct learning from experienced professionals:
Our open-door policy encourages interaction and knowledge sharing among all team members, no matter seniority. - Foster an environment where questions are encouraged and learning is continuous:
We believe that continuous learning is essential for professional growth, and we actively support our team members in their pursuit of knowledge.
This independence fosters a culture of collaboration and open communication, where junior valuers feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance from senior colleagues. It allows us to tailor our training programs to the specific needs of everyone, ensuring support is given to reach their full potential.
Professional growth pathways
For those looking to build a long-term and fulfilling career in property valuation, Walsh & Monaghan offers a clear and structured pathway for professional growth, such as:
- Access to industry-leading professional development resources:
We provide access to the latest training materials, online courses, and industry publications. - Exposure to various property types and valuation methodologies:
Our team members gain experience in a wide range of valuation scenarios, developing a versatile skill set while still able to hone a specialty if they wish. - Opportunities to work alongside experienced valuers:
Direct collaboration with Directors and senior valuers provides invaluable learning experiences. - Regular knowledge-sharing sessions and updates on industry developments:
Internal meetings and workshops keep our team informed of the latest trends and best practices.
These pathways are designed to provide a clear roadmap for career progression, ensuring that our team members have the opportunity to develop their skills and advance within the firm. We actively encourage our team members to pursue further education and professional certifications, providing financial support and study leave where appropriate.
Looking forward
The future of property valuation demands professionals who can seamlessly blend traditional valuation methodologies and principles with modern, data-driven assessments. At Walsh & Monaghan, we are committed to developing valuers who are:
- Technically proficient: Possessing a deep understanding of valuation methodologies and principles.
- Ethically grounded: Adhering to the highest ethical standards and maintaining our independence.
- Market-aware: Staying informed of the latest market trends and economic conditions.
- Client-focused: Providing exceptional service and building strong client relationships.
- Forward-thinking: Embracing innovation and adapting to the changing needs of the industry.
We believe that this combination of skills and attributes is essential for success in the ever-evolving world of property valuation. Our training programs are designed to equip our team members with the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to thrive in this dynamic environment.
Join our team
For aspiring valuers who are passionate about building a rewarding career with a firm that truly values education, mentorship, and professional growth, Walsh & Monaghan offers an environment where you can learn from the best while working on meaningful projects that shape our communities. We provide a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued, and your professional development is a top priority.
“That’s worth valuing” isn’t just our tagline – it’s a philosophy that extends to how we value and develop our people. It reflects our belief that investing in our team members is an investment in the future of our firm and the future of the property valuation industry.
Interested in joining a firm that invests in your professional growth? Contact Walsh & Monaghan today to learn more about our career development opportunities and how you can contribute to a team that values expertise, integrity, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.
