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Tom
White

United Kingdom
In addition to supporting our academic and technical learning, the staff are fully involved in our employability post university and are eager to see every student succeed in industry.

More about Tom

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I visited NTU on an open day prior to applying to my course. I was incredibly impressed by the university’s facilities, my campus’ city centre location, and the teaching staff’s enthusiasm for the course. Appropriately, BSc (Hons) Real Estate is a fantastic course which covers the spectrum of the industry and is universally recognised with employers in producing well rounded and knowledgeable students.

What do you think about the course staff? How do they support your learning and university experience?

The course staff have a wide range of industry and academic experience that is continuously being utilised across every module. In addition to supporting our academic and technical learning, the staff are fully involved in our employability post university and are eager to see every student succeed in industry.

Have you been involved in any live projects of briefs on your course and if so, can you talk a bit about one you really enjoyed?

I was recently involved in a ‘Relocation Week’ based in Dubai for my Corporate Real Estate module. Working in groups, we were tasked with providing a contemporary and resilient solution for a ‘client’ in consolidating 5 offices around the Emirates into one ‘HQHub’. Whilst the project was challenging and demanding, it provided a realistic insight into the corporate real estate discipline, whereby we had to create a strategic report and present our solution to the client. Ultimately it was a very enjoyable and rewarding project that challenged our teamwork skills and developed our technical proficiencies.

Could you please explain more about your current / recent placement, and what you did during this time?

During my third year at university, I undertook a placement year at Colliers International in the London West End head office. I worked in the Valuation and Advisory Services department for a full year, and predominantly worked on RICS Red Book valuation reports of commercial property for loan security purposes across Greater London. However, I also valued commercial and residential properties across England, from Poole to Newcastle. Accordingly, my role encompassed the spectrum of the valuation discipline, and involved inspecting, measuring, due diligence gathering, and writing valuation reports.

What is your favourite project that you’ve worked on during your placement and why?

My favourite project that I worked on whilst at Colliers International was the valuation of a retail park in Northampton. Requiring a long form report, it challenged me to ascertain the relevant information and compile a professional report. Moreover, inspecting every unit of the park, it was an interesting insight into how retail parks operate, and how my role as a valuer significantly impacts the outcome of the purpose of the valuation.

What advice would you give to an NTU student about to begin a placement?

For anyone about to begin a placement year, I would advise them to take every opportunity to learn from colleagues in the office, ask questions, and offer your assistance. Not only will this greatly improve your own skills and abilities, but you will make a great impression which may ultimately help you in securing a job following university. Having to balance university work with graduate applications is arduous and stressful, so being able to fast track this process relieves a lot of pressure.

What’s next for you after NTU?

Following university, I intend to relax and travel over the summer before moving to London to start my graduate job at Colliers International in September. The graduate program lasts between 1.5 and 2 years, which by the end, I will hopefully pass the RICS APC and become a chartered surveyor. I am excited to get started at the company and build on what I have learnt at university and my placement year, which will hopefully lead to the start of a successful career in the real estate industry.

How would you promote NTU to potential students in 10 words or fewer?

Brilliant university in a lively student friendly city.

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