RREF hosts profile talk from prominent industry figures for recent graduates

This week, Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) arranged for two prominent industry figures to speak at a networking reception for over 50 graduates. The evening, which was hosted at Cushman & Wakefield's London office, was organised by the RG10s, a group of Reading graduates from the past decade. RG10 hold a number of events during the year aimed at supporting newer entrants to the industry build a strong network, while also gaining valuable CPD experience.

John Strachan, Partner and Head of Retail at Cushman &Wakefield, and Robert Noel, Managing Director of London Portfolio at Land Securities, both University of Reading graduates, profiled their careers to date, offering insight into their chosen pathways. Guests learnt how the two very different routes have delivered each speaker significant success in their field. John spoke about the rate and scope of change over the past forty years since he graduated and recounted the four recessions he has experienced. He believes that beginning your career during a recession is the best experience a graduate can have as it prepares them to be resilient and think on their feet.

Robert detailed the six principles by which he has built his career and stressed the notion that 'you are the captain of your own ship' encouraging graduates to drive their own career forward. He said that, ‛being able to make a decision, accept your mistakes, and being straight in your dealings are all crucial to getting on in business, together with being driven and having a bit of luck!‛

Questions from the floor came thick and fast as guests wanted to know whether they should work for a large company first to get a broader training or choose a smaller firm where they could be given more responsibility sooner. Other key areas were, what type of person should work on the 'client side' and when to move over; and why retail was such an exciting sector and where its future lies.

Guest David Massbery, a 2007 graduate working at Drivers Jonas Deloitte, regularly attends RREF events and was particularly impressed by the quality of the speakers and relevance of the event for recent graduates. He said: 'It was a thoroughly entertaining evening, enjoyed with excellent company. On behalf of the whole RREF RG10 Committee we would like to extend our thanks to both Robert and John who were truly inspirational guests.'

Claire Morison, Senior Planner at Drivers Jonas Deloitte and a member of the RG10 Committee, spoke on the evening about the value of RG10 to both current students and recent graduates. 'CPD events such as this, together with the Thursday Night Drinks and sports events, foster and nurture relationships and networks which are invaluable within our industry. They also enable funds to be raised for RREF to support its ongoing activities. The funds raised ultimately go towards assisting students with bursaries and grants which continue to keep Reading positioned as a centre of excellence and ensure it delivers high quality graduates and exceptional teaching and research.‛

For further information about the RREF or RG10 events, please contact Nicole Gillham, Executive Director of RREF, n.gillham@rref.reading.ac.uk or tel. 0118 378 4193.