During the summer between my second and third year as a Planning and Real Estate student, I undertook a summer placement working with a property consultants. For the first time, I was able to use my learning in meaningful situations and successfully assist the bridge between being an undergraduate and preparing for a professional career in the planning and real estate industry.

The placement allowed me to gain valuable insights and skills as I was able to analyse trends within the market and communicate professionally with clients. Achieving familiarity with the industry, eased the transition between second and third year. As a current third year student, my placement experiences have made my final year significantly more understandable and highly more meaningful. Motivating me to embrace learning opportunities and embark on a proactive mindset.

Alongside supporting studies, undertaking a placement uniquely enhances a CV and makes you stand out in a competitive job market. Practical experience is highly valued by employers, as your skills and knowledge are solidified in a professional context.

My summer placement opened a new set of doors for me and I am currently undertaking a further placement within the planning and development industry which is supporting my final-year dissertation. Having experience in both the planning sector and the real estate sector has enabled me to gain a well-rounded understanding of the industry and guided me to the graduate role I want to gravitate towards. Interacting with professionals and navigating challenges has heightened my confidence in interviews as I thoroughly understand the industry’s dynamics which is assured by my ability with past experiences.

Reflecting upon my university journey, the insights, connections, and skills gained from work placements not only support my studies but also shape my future after university. Having obtained real-life experiences has enabled me to practically reflect on the challenges and trends of the industry making my knowledge professionally accurate.

Written by Jenna, current BSc Planning and Real Estate student at The University of Manchester

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