Mentoring Reception

RREF hosts networking opportunity for industry mentors and student mentees

On Tuesday 1 March RREF ran an exclusive networking reception for over 150 people who are taking part in its mentoring scheme, now in its third year.

The annual mentoring reception, which this year was hosted by leading law firm SJ Berwin, provides students with an opportunity to meet their mentor and other alumni involved in the programme. Mentors include a broad array of previous Reading graduates and include some of the leading figures in the real estate industry.

Bryan Laxton, UK CEO Cushman & Wakefield and RREF Trustee, helped found the scheme and also personally mentors two students from Reading each year. Welcoming guests he said:

'It is great to see so many eminent members of the profession give their time freely and see their thoughts and ideas seized upon so enthusiastically by the students. The programme is recognised as a thriving and worthwhile scheme which is clearly illustrated by the 250 mentors and over 300 mentees now involved in the scheme.'

The RREF mentoring programme is designed to give students an insight into the industry they aim to join and help them gain an advantage in getting the job they want on graduating. Mentors guide and advise mentees from the second year of their degree course onwards, or through their Masters course, with regard to how the industry works, how to improve their CVs as well as encouraging them in finding relevant work experience.

MSc Real Estate student Robert Van Vliet spoke at the reception about how valuable the scheme has been for him. He said:

'The scheme has really helped me so far and I expect that it will help even further in making new contacts which will support me in getting a job. My overall experience of the scheme is that it is a very good way to build connections in the industry, amongst people who have a great deal of knowledge and experience and are willing to help you.‛

Mentors enjoy sharing their experiences, talking with the students about their careers, answering questions and pointing them in the right direction to help them to build a successful career. Many also used the reception as an opportunity to catch up with other professionals involved in the scheme.

Henry Morris, Senior Associate from Europa Capital, has been a mentor for three years, he commented:

'The mentoring reception is an excellent opportunity for mentors and mentees to discuss their objectives and enhance their relationships further. Such a strong turnout for this recent event only goes to confirm that the RREF Mentoring Programme has become a highly successful and valuable part of the Reading experience.'

To view more photos from the event please see http://www.flickr.com/photos/rref/sets/72157626957983759/