As an award-winning leader in the real estate sector, Madison Berkeley approaches recruitment with a focus on relationships, insight, and expertise. For our latest Catching Up With feature, we spoke with Charlie Walker, Surveyor in Property Asset Management at JLL, about his journey from professional rugby to real estate. Charlie reflects on preparing early for life after sport, the transferable skills athletes bring into business, the importance of networking, and why property offers a long-term career built on progression and opportunity.
From professional rugby to real estate
Unlike many who move into a second career after sport, Charlie began planning while still playing semi-professionally. After ten years at a leading English rugby club and a spell in Italy, he recognised that professional sport has a limited lifespan. Rather than wait until retirement, he chose to prepare early. “I didn’t want to get to 34 or 35 and have to start from scratch,” he explains. “So I started thinking about a second career while still playing rugby on the side.” His first step into beer sales gave him exposure to a commercial, people-focused environment, but he soon realised something was missing. “I enjoyed it, but I wasn’t learning or progressing in the same way. In rugby, you’re always working towards the next goal. I didn’t feel that same sense of development.” That led him to explore industries often linked to athletes, including wealth management and insurance. While both offered routes forward, neither felt right. Real estate stood out, despite Charlie initially having only a limited understanding of surveying. “I had an interest in property, but I didn’t really know what a surveyor did. That’s quite common because there are so many routes into the industry.”
Building a second career
Charlie’s rugby network proved central to his transition. Conversations with former teammates already in property led to informal meetings and, eventually, an opportunity at JLL. That introduction led to a role in the Property and Asset Management team. “I was told the transferable skills were already there. The technical side can be taught,” he says. “That gave me confidence.” He joined as an Assistant Surveyor and quickly discovered how broad the profession was. “Even after joining, I didn’t realise how many different types of surveyors there are.” Within two years, he progressed to Surveyor, while working towards a Master’s in Real Estate and his APC.
Transferable skills from elite sport
Charlie believes the value of sport lies in resilience, accountability, and ambition, but says these often translate in a business environment. “You only really understand transferable skills once you’re actually working.” One of the biggest advantages has been performing under pressure. “In sport you’re judged every week. That builds resilience and the ability to handle pressure.” He also highlights accountability. “You learn to take responsibility rather than hide from situations.” And, crucially, ambition. “You don’t become a professional athlete without wanting to improve. That mindset is valuable in any workplace.” Competition beyond rugby, Charlie’s competitive mindset has remained unchanged in his new career. Whether in performance reviews or project delivery, he continues to set high standards. “In my first year, I ranked highly, and straight away I wanted to repeat that. Once you get feedback, you’re thinking about the next level.” The main adjustment has been the slower feedback cycle. “In rugby, you’re reviewed every Monday. In property, you might wait months for feedback, so the rhythm is different.”
The value of relationships
Relationships remain central to Charlie’s approach, both in sport and property. “We grew up speaking to sponsors and business leaders. That becomes normal.”He believes this has helped him work confidently with clients and stakeholders. He also stresses timing. “People are more open to speaking when you’re a current player. That’s the time to build your network.” His advice is simple: start early and talk to people. “It might take lots of coffees that go nowhere, but one conversation can open the right door.” He also warns against assumptions about the industry. “You need to understand the different areas within surveying before deciding what’s right for you.”
Looking ahead
Alongside playing semi-professional rugby for Rosslyn Park, Charlie is now focused on completing his Master’s and APC. “I like having a clear plan. In rugby you always have the next objective, and I approach my career the same way.” He sees real estate as a long-term career and is focused on continuing progression at JLL. “I definitely see it as my long-term path. There’s still more to learn, but I’m confident I made the right move.”
