Laura Kirk
Placement: Orco Property Group
Placement position: Sustainable Development Consultant
"The chance to study a relevant, professionally recognised degree at a University with an excellent graduate employment record was very reassuring when I was looking at prospective universities. My lecturers have been both knowledgeable and approachable, which I believe is fundamental to the success of students in higher education.
"I think Nottingham Trent University offers students a multitude of experiences above and beyond traditional tertiary education.
"As well as being given the opportunity to complete my placement year in Prague, I was fortunate enough to be one of the students chosen to represent the University at a summer school experience in South Korea.
"Industry experience is a great way of working out what you want to do, and also what you don’t want to do after you graduate. I wish I could say that this year has narrowed down my career possibilities but if anything, I’ve been exposed to so many aspects of the property and construction industries that my list of career options is increasing exponentially.
"I have recently been asked to write the company’s Annual Sustainability Report which requires me to visit each of our projects in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Germany and Hvar Island, Croatia.
"I also visited an orphanage up in the mountains near the Polish border over Christmas to distribute angel tree presents and attend their annual variety sketch performance. This was an unforgettable experience due to the wide array of emotions from the children and the local community.
"My plans for the future change on a daily basis. Working in Prague has reminded me of how much I love working in new countries. I expect I will return to Australia after I finish at NTU, although I have been offered a graduate job in Hong Kong which certainly appeals to me."
