Career Spotlight - Graduate Surveyor Ollie Chamings

Published: 10/02/2026 By Ollie Chamings

Last month, we were delighted to welcome Ollie Chamings back to Symonds & Sampson as a Graduate Rural Surveyor in our Dorchester agricultural department, having previously been a placement student there in 2023-24.

In this article, Ollie talks about the benefits of doing his placement at Symonds & Sampson, as well as life skills he learnt whilst away and his ambitions working towards his APC and CAAV qualifications.

“I could not have asked for a better placement year. I arrived very green and left a more mature person, and set on pursuing a career as a Rural Surveyor. During my placement, I learnt the practical side of the industry, which I could link to the academic theory that I learnt in my first and second years at Harper Adams University. I gained experience in all aspects of rural surveying, experience which was fundamental to my last year at Harper Adams, as I had the experience of the work and could envision how one would apply themselves to a particular task.

“Between graduating from Harper Adams and returning to Symonds & Sampson, I was fortunate enough to travel and work in Botswana, Kenya and Australia, picking up plenty of life skills/lessons along the way which should benefit my professional career.

“Amongst the most notable for me were:

1. The realisation that people who are experts in their field did not become one overnight. Becoming an expert takes time, mentoring, consistency, and most importantly, experience, earning you respect for the advice that you will then be able to provide.
2. Another is not to panic. When you come across a curve ball or unexpected issue, don’t overreact. Take a step back, question all the possibilities and then take action in which you can justify. 

“When I set out on my travels, I was in the fortunate position of knowing that I would be coming back to a role within Symonds & Sampson and not have the worry of finding work. I could make the most of my travelling, enjoying fabulous places and creating great memories with friends that will last a lifetime. It might be within the constraints of annual leave now, but there are many more countries I plan to tick off the list!

“Now back and fully ensconced in the Rural Professional department in Dorchester, I am fortunate to be working alongside respected experts, including Richard Miller, Will Wallis, George Whittaker and Phoebe Wreford-Glanvill. I have picked up where I left off in 2024. My work includes farm agency, valuation, grants, planning and many other aspects of rural surveying, all the while gaining valuable experience as I work towards industry exams early next year”.

Ollie is based in our Poundbury, Burraton House office, and can be reached by email or on 01305 236237.