Internships for Real Estate & Planning Students

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13 September 2013 | Updated 01 January 1970

The Access Internship Scheme was open to Real Estate & Planning students at Henley Business School, University of Reading and this year RREF is collaborating with 20 firms to offer 24 paid placements within the property industry. 

RREF launched the scheme in order to widen access to the profession by helping students overcome some of the obstacles to participation. Now in its fourth year the placements are offered to students who are unable to undertake unpaid work experience due to financial reasons or who have no family or friend connections to help them get that all important 'foot in the door'.

According to the Association of Women in Property, women currently represent only 15% of the property and construction industry workforce and are just one of the under-represented groups in the sector that the scheme is helping with career prospects.  One female student studying for a BSc in Real Estate commented: “The internship was perfect for me due to my lack of contacts in the Real Estate profession, however, throughout my internship I've had the opportunity to work and socialise with professionals not only from my host company, but many others in the property sector. I found it very interesting and demanding, I've found it really interesting learning about the different yields and rents achieved depending on location, demand and the market, and how the relocation of a prime retailer can totally change the dynamics and market in an area.”

This summer’s industry partners provided a structured programme of activities and experience for four weeks which is invaluable for students intending to enter the property industry.

Another BSc Real Estate & Planning student who has benefitted from the student activities organised by RREF said: “I was aware Reading had a very strong reputation in terms of connections to professionals working in the industry. The RREF Mentoring Programme and Access Internship Scheme have enabled me to gain valuable work experience which I would have struggled to get normally. The past academic year I have also worked part-time for my RREF appointed mentor on an estate in the South East. I feel this has considerably enhanced my employability and allowed me to put my skills and strengths to the test while improving on my weaknesses too.”

The scheme is just one aspect of the programme of support from RREF and Real Estate & Planning at the University of Reading, which ensures students are as fully prepared for success as possible upon graduation. Employability figures for recent graduates of Real Estate & Planning six months after graduation are at a truly impressive 97%.

Article written by ThisWeekinFM | Published 13 September 2013

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