Our Meet the Team series is all about celebrating the people behind our business. Each month, we sit down with a different member of the team to discover more about their role, their career journey, what inspires them, and the experiences that have shaped their time with us.
This month, we caught up with Jill Benton, our brilliant Building Consultancy Department Assistant & CAD Technician, to find out more about her career, her role within the team, and her journey with the company.
A true stalwart of the business, Jill has been an invaluable member of the team for over 21 years!
How did you land your first job in property?
I charmed my way into the office of civil and structural engineers as an office junior.
How has the industry changed since you started?
The industry has changed significantly since I first started, particularly with the way technology has transformed how we work and the increasing use of digital systems and processes. There is now less reliance on traditional administrative support, which has meant adapting to new ways of working and expanding my skill set to take on a wider range of responsibilities.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn new aspects of the industry, develop my technical knowledge and become more involved in areas such as CAD. I also got my pilot’s licence to fly the company drone!
What does a typical working day look like for you?
Very varied – it can be full of client enquiry emails and invoicing, climbing into attics and basements of listed buildings, flying the company drone or I could spend the day drawing up new shop front designs.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The interesting combination of office and site work, no day is ever the same!
Who has been the most influential mentor or figure in your career?
Anthony Foster as well as all of the Building Surveyors and graduates I’ve worked with throughout my years at Johnson Fellows.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Don’t drink too much on office nights out, I never listen!
What’s been your proudest achievement, professional or otherwise?
When I spent time volunteering for the Samaritans. It carried through to my role as mental health first aider within Johnson Fellows, where I’m able to support colleagues and help to create a workplace where people feel comfortable talking about their wellbeing.
If you weren’t in property, what other career path could you see yourself in?
Top Gun fighter pilot!
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Usually with friends and family and a very mischievous Shih Tzu named Crumble.
