Balancing full-time work and study, Charlotte Smoker is well on her way to becoming a licensed settlement agent.
After four years working in the field, Charlotte is now completing the Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing (BSB60220) through REIWA Training, delivered in partnership with the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA (AICWA). This qualification provides the educational requirement to apply for a settlement agent licence in WA.
We caught up with Charlotte to talk about her experience so far, how she’s balancing study with full-time work, and her advice for others considering a career in conveyancing.
What made you want to pursue conveyancing as a career?
After finishing school, I started as a receptionist in a conveyancing office just to get some experience. I honestly didn’t expect to stay long, but I found the work really interesting and wanted to learn more.
Four years later, I’m still here and now studying to become a licensed settlement agent.
Why did you decide to study the Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing?
I decided to enrol because I want to build on what I’ve learned at work and take the next step in my career. My boss has been an incredible mentor and really encouraged me to keep growing, so the course felt like the right way to deepen my knowledge.
How have you found the course so far?
I’m really enjoying it so far. It’s made me look at conveyancing in new ways and realise there’s not just one ‘right’ method. I’ve learned a lot in my current role, but it’s been eye-opening to see how other professionals approach the same situations.
Everyone has slightly different systems and workflows, and hearing those perspectives has helped me think about how I want to work. It’s interesting seeing how the same task can be done differently but still get the same result – that’s been one of the most valuable parts so far.
How have you found balancing full-time work with study?
Balancing full-time work and study has been an adjustment, but it’s definitely manageable. There are busy periods where it feels like a lot, but the flexibility of the course really helps. My manager has been very supportive and if we have a quiet day, she’s happy for me to work on my studies, which helps take the pressure off.
What has your experience been like with the trainers and support team?
The trainers are fantastic. They’ve all worked in the industry for years and bring so much real-world experience to the classroom. Conveyancing isn’t something you can learn straight from a book. Every settlement is different, so hearing their practical examples makes the content much easier to understand.
They’ll often explain how things play out in real life compared to what’s written in the legislation, which really helps everything click. You can tell they genuinely want us to do well and succeed in the industry.
They also understand that most of us are juggling work and study, so they’re really accommodating and realistic about what’s expected. That understanding makes a huge difference and keeps everything achievable.
How have you found using the new REIWA Learning Portal?
The new learning portal has been great, it’s really easy to use and well organised. Everything’s in one place, so it’s simple to find what you need and upload assessments. If there have been minor technical glitches, the team are quick to action and get it sorted out straight away. It’s been a really smooth experience overall.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in conveyancing?
My advice would be to just give it a go, but make sure you have a strong support network around you. Try to get experience in an office first and learn from people who can guide you through the practical side of conveyancing. It’s not something you can fully grasp from study alone as every situation is different.
It can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you see everything come together at settlement.
