When Aimee Shervell joined FirstPort in 2013, she had just finished university with a degree in German and Marketing. With no prior experience in property management, she stepped into a Customer Advisor role in the Customer Services team. What began as a local opportunity quickly evolved into a long-term career, shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a company that recognised her potential.
Q: What led you to join FirstPort, and what were those early days like?
“I started at FirstPort in 2013, just after finishing university. I didn’t know anything about property management at the time. But the company was local, and I knew a few people who worked there, so I applied for a role in customer services. That’s really where it all began.”
Q: How did that first role shape your understanding of the industry?
“Customer service was the real foundation for me. It was challenging but it forced me to learn quickly. I had to understand leases, respond to queries, and find answers. At the time, I didn’t realise how valuable that knowledge would be later in my career.”
Q: What kind of training and development have you received at FirstPort?
“Quite early on, I completed both Level 2 and Level 3 The Property Institute (TPI) training. That really helped cement what I’d learned on the job and gave me confidence that I was doing things right. I’ve also done IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) training, and more recently, I’ve been part of the Corndel Management and Leadership Programme. That’s been brilliant for supporting me in my current leadership role.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?
“Start in customer service if you can. It gives you a real understanding of what customers need and the challenges they face. And stick with it, even when it’s tough. There are so many opportunities in this industry if you show commitment. Everything you do now will help shape your future career.”
Q: How has FirstPort supported your growth and development?
“The business has really invested in me, and that makes me feel recognised. It’s a partnership – they support me so I can deliver better service to customers, and that in turn helps the business. I’ve also had support through maternity leave and returning to work, which has meant a lot.”
Q: What motivates you personally, both in and out of work?
“My children are a huge motivation. I’ve got three, and I want to show them that it’s possible to have a career and be a great parent. I want them to see that anything is achievable. Outside of work, I try to stay active. I do home workouts and play netball, which is a great way to switch off and recharge.”
Q: Looking back, is there anything you wish you’d known earlier?
“Honestly, I think coming in with no knowledge helped me, as I had no preconceptions. I know from experience that our teams care deeply and work hard to support customers. We’re dealing with people’s homes – it’s personal, and we take that seriously.”
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