MSc Real Estate in Athens - May 2024

The MSc Real Estate students went on a field trip to Athens in May 2024, where they were joined by a group of students from the University of Aberdeen and the Metropolitan College (Athens, Greece). 

The group travelled over to Athens on 14 May and spent a week exploring, visiting sites and listening to presentations. There were visits to the Ellinikon Project - the biggest development plan in Greece, the Piraeus Tower and Stavros Niarchos Park along with walking tours of Athens (focusing on retail), an office tour focusing on The Orbit (an office building in Athens) designed by Vikelas Architects in partnership with LC Architects and a tour around Golden Hall - a shopping centre in Marousi. There were also lots of presentations and opportunities for discussion. Thanks to staff and students for the following photos...

For more information on the MSc Real Estate at Oxford Brookes, click here.

REIF Graduation May 2024 and a Student Profile...

Scott Rayner (left) and Shaun Nichols at Graduation on 30 May 2024

As REIF is an online course it's always really nice to actually meet some of our students and their families when they attend graduation. This was last Thursday (30 May).

Scott Rayner (on the left) also joined us for the REIF Online Info Session in May 2024, where he talked about his experience of the MSc REIF. Here's what he said...

I was working in the City of London in real estate investment as a consultant for funds, investment banks and development finance. As I didn't have a first degree in real estate and wanted to advance my career, I went looking for a flexible MSc course that was accredited by the RICS. After talking to industry professionals, I decided upon the MSc REIF at Oxford Brookes as it offered an online, flexible course with a great support structure. I wasn't disappointed. 

The international aspect of the course was incredibly beneficial and now I can look at different markets around the world and think 'I could work there...or there'. The legal aspect of the course looked at different jurisdictions and the rest of the course (and the students) had an international focus. With a group of students from across the globe, there are lots of opportunities for discussions and shared experiences. 

For the live lectures, webinars and Q&A sessions - these are always recorded and shared on the virtual learning platform meaning that you can watch them anytime. This was really helpful when I was working in The City. I could study in my own time and at my own pace. 

The course is really flexible - I took the opportunity to take some time out and delay modules during periods of intense work and the staff were always very supportive making the experience seamless. When I was doing my Dissertation I had a motorbike accident and the staff were so accommodating and encouraging and helped me to complete. 

And here is the video extract from the Online Info Session - thanks for your comments Scott!

For more information about the MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance, take a look at our website here. 

Real Estate Investment Finance - Seminar Day 2024

 

Ye Xu, the course leader for the MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance (REIF) introduced the REIF Seminar Day 2024 on 31 May. Take a look at the video footage...

The first session was presented by Cynthia Chan and Liz Hung from CBRE Research, Asia Pacific. Watch here.

The second session was presented by John Campbell, Associate Director - Head of Industrial Services, Savills Vietnam. Watch here.

The final session on Heritage: Conservation and Development (some current thinking) was presented by Michael Stubbs, Chilterns Natural Landscape and Visiting Tutor at The Bartlett School of Planning, UCL. Watch here.

If you would like more information about the MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance then take a look here.

The OBREMS/OBU Mentoring Scheme 2024: The Launch

 

The Mentoring Scheme 2024 at JLL

...and a flashback to 2013 at JLL

The Mentoring Scheme is managed jointly by OBREMS (our alumni association) and the School of the Built Environment and is open to second year students on the BSc Real Estate and the BSc Property Development and Planning as well as students on the MSc Real Estate.

This is the 12th year of the OBREMS/OBU Mentoring Scheme which offers students a unique opportunity to be mentored by one of our alumni. The launch took place on 20 March at JLL West End in London - where we first launched the scheme back in 2013. Thanks to JLL for hosting and thanks to the presenters and all the students, staff and mentors who came. It was a great evening - the networking was made even better without the old table format. It was especially good to see those who took part in the Mentoring Scheme as students return as mentors. This year we matched 65 students with mentors and there was a great turnout at the launch as you can see from the photos. Anyone who is interested in becoming a mentor should contact: rdixon@brookes.ac.uk

Thanks to Michael Clarke (mentor), Harriet Costello (one of the first student mentees in 2013 and now a mentor) and James Mohsen (student mentee in 2018 and now a mentor)  for their words of advice and finally from Rebecca Gee (programme lead for BSc Real Estate at Oxford Brookes):

It is in your hands now how much you make of the opportunity but you have the chance to build a relationship that will not only benefit you over the next 12 months but throughout your career as well. Do let us know though if there is anything we can do to facilitate further if required.

To the final year students who have had the benefit of the scheme last year don't let the relationship stop now. That was an overwhelming theme of the talks yesterday evening and many of the mentors were discussing how much they have relied on a mentor across their whole working life.

To all first year students, I hope you are looking forward to the opportunity next year. All I can say is grab it with both hands as it is an invaluable chance to get support with both your dissertation and the job application process as well as throughout your future career.

And now for the photos...

Finishing off the evening with more networking at The Glasshouse in Soho

What were we doing with the spaghetti and marshmallows? When student numbers were smaller we had a few team building events. The winning team from 2014.

The Oxford Brookes/OBREMS Mentoring Scheme 2024

 

The Mentoring Scheme Launch 2023

The Mentoring Scheme has been running for 12 years, successfully matching more than 900 students from the BSc Real Estate and the BSc Property Development and Planning with one of our alumni. That's a lot of networking. The Mentoring Scheme is managed jointly by OBREMS (our alumni association) and the School of the Built Environment and is open to second year students as well as students on the MSc Real Estate. In early February we will open applications to the OBREMS/OBU Mentoring Scheme 2024 for second year undergraduate students. Email rdixon@brookes.ac.uk if you would like to take part.

This year, the mentoring period for undergraduate students will start at the end of March 2024, with a launch event in central London on the evening of 20 March (6pm to 8pm). The launch event will include guest speakers and a chance for you to network and meet your mentor. There are a wide range of mentors who volunteer to take part, from recent graduates to CEOs - and a lot of our younger mentors took part in the Mentoring Scheme themselves when they were students. All our mentors are alumni of Oxford Brookes (Real Estate or Planning and Property Development) and are also volunteers - they give their time to the Mentoring Scheme free of charge. For 2024, we have asked all of our mentors to provide a short statement of their area of interest which should help you select your Mentor.

Feedback from students who are on the Mentoring Scheme this year:

• We had a virtual meeting where we went through my CV and did some interview prep. The discussions with my Mentor have been incredibly useful and have provided me with lots of insight on how to better my techniques in interviews. 
• I had a face to face meeting with my Mentor in London. Was really interesting to see the world in which he operates and his general advice has been very relevant to the thoughts I am having in regard to careers.
• We have communicated over email about application, CV's and cover letters, help which has been so useful.
• Our choice for communication is WhatsApp. We both felt it important to have a quick form of contact that is also informal.

Networking at the Launch in March 2023

Finally, please remember that if you sign up to the Mentoring Scheme you must be prepared to make use of your Mentor and initiate contact. Our Mentors sign up to the scheme as volunteers because they want to help and they enjoy being part of the scheme - when students sign up and then drop out, we end up with disappointed Mentors and a wasted opportunity for the student. There is a lot of help on offer and it's up to you to make good use of it. 

MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance: interview with Gadzani Tema

The Real Estate Investment Finance (REIF) programme at Oxford Brookes has been designed for real estate professionals across all sectors, as well as fund managers and investment bankers who would like to gain a better understanding of real estate as a financial asset in an investment portfolio. The programme is delivered online and offers our students (many of whom are also working full-time) a flexible and innovative way to study. We have developed our use of digital media to bring together students from many different backgrounds and locations using our virtual learning platform as well as social media and webinars. The programme started in 2015 and now attracts students from across the world. This is great news for the REIF programme as students (and staff) from many different backgrounds and locations can come together online to share experiences and work practices.

One of our recent graduates, Gadzani Tema created a video profile to give her views on the MSc REIF...

Interested? You can find out more about the MSc/PGD REIF and book a place on one of our REIF Online Information Sessions by following the links below:

MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance - course details

REIF Online Information Session - click to book a place

MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance - student profiles

The OBREMS/OBU Mentoring Scheme Launch - March 2023

The Mentoring Scheme is managed jointly by OBREMS (our alumni association) and the School of the Built Environment and is open to second year students on the BSc Real Estate and the BA Property Development and Planning as well as students on the MSc Real Estate.

This is the 11th year of the OBREMS/OBU Mentoring Scheme which offers students a unique opportunity to be mentored by one of our alumni. The launch took place on 22 March at the HQ of CBRE in London. Thanks to CBRE for hosting and thanks to the presenters and all the students, staff and mentors who came. It was a fantastic evening and it was especially good to see those who took part in the Mentoring Scheme as students return as mentors. This year we matched 74 students with mentors and there was a great turnout at the launch as you can see from the photos. Anyone who is interested in becoming a mentor should contact: rdixon@brookes.ac.uk

And now, a few words of advice offered by the of mentors (Andrew Whitehead, Jo Jackson, James Vivian and John Gilder) who presented at the launch:

• As a student mentee it's up to you to reach out to your mentor. If they don't reply immediately, don't be put off - they have busy jobs, don't be afraid to be persistent - you WILL get a reply!

• As a mentor, our job is to listen and give advice, the benefit of our experience, guidance and reassurance - we've all been through what you're going through and will be going through as you enter the world of work. Make good use of us.

• We can offer all these things, but in the end it's also up to you to make the effort.

• We can help you with networking and through our contacts who probably know someone who can help you with a particular issue.

• It's a unique opportunity and one which doesn't need to stop at the end of a year - many mentees and mentors keep in touch for a long time which can be hugely beneficial for both (offering useful advice for the APC process and beyond). The industry is all about people and building networks - this is a great place to start!

Introduction to the Mentoring Scheme Launch by Elaine Tooke

Finishing the evening off with more networking in the pub...

MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance: interview with Tobias Kanthak

 The Real Estate Investment Finance (REIF) programme at Oxford Brookes has been designed for real estate professionals across all sectors, as well as fund managers and investment bankers who would like to gain a better understanding of real estate as a financial asset in an investment portfolio. The programme is delivered online and offers our students (many of whom are also working full-time) a flexible and innovative way to study. We have developed our use of digital media to bring together students from many different backgrounds and locations using our virtual learning platform as well as social media and webinars. The programme started in 2015 and now attracts students from across the world. This is great news for the REIF programme as students (and staff) from many different backgrounds and locations can come together online to share experiences and work practices.

I caught up with Tobias Kanthak, one of our alumni to find out what he thought about the REIF programme. This time on film...

Interested? You can find out more about the MSc/PGD REIF and book a place on one of our REIF Online Information Sessions by following the links below:

MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance - course details

REIF Online Information Session - click to book a place

MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance - student profiles

The Mentoring Scheme 2023 - how to apply...

The Mentoring Scheme Launch 2022

The Mentoring Scheme has been running for 11 years successfully matching more than 900 students from the BSc Real Estate and the BSc Planning and Property Development with one of our alumni. That's a lot of networking. The Mentoring Scheme is managed jointly by OBREMS (our alumni association) and the School of the Built Environment and is open to second year students as well as students on the MSc Real Estate. On Monday 6 February we will launch the OBREMS/OBU Mentoring Scheme 2023 for second year undergraduate students. Email rdixon@brookes.ac.uk if you would like to take part.

This year, the mentoring period for undergraduate students will start at the end of March 2023, with a launch event at the HQ of CBRE on the evening of 22 March. The launch event will include guest speakers and a chance for you to network and finally meet your mentor. There are a wide range of mentors who volunteer to take part, from recent graduates to CEOs - and a lot of our younger mentors took part in the Mentoring Scheme themselves when they were students. All our mentors are alumni of Oxford Brookes (Real Estate or Planning and Property Development) and are also volunteers - they give their time to the Mentoring Scheme free of charge.

This year on the blog, I have interviewed Andrew Whitehead who graduated in July 2022. He took part in the Mentoring Scheme in March 2021-22 and is planning to join the scheme as a Mentor this year:

Why did you decide to do a degree in Real Estate?

The property sector is one that is very diverse offering roles that are fulfilling, rewarding and directly affect the world that surrounds us. Pursuing a career where I can become a chartered surveyor, as the name suggests, is a position that’s highly trained, only achievable after years of training meaning you have professional backing when giving specialist advice over property related issues. I spoke to recent graduates because originally I wanted to become an architect, however these conversations changed my mind.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at Oxford Brookes?

It’s been a unique experience, the pandemic effectively put a pause to the normal university experience with all students fleeing back home half way through the first year. Despite this there have been aspects that have been thoroughly enjoyable. The professional networks I’ve made have given me inspiration to make the best out of a bad situation and a career to aspire towards.

What are you planning to do once you graduate?

Before going into work I took a break of a few months to travel and complete my catalogue for an upcoming art exhibition. During the first lockdown whilst being at home I built a small art studio in my garden and hope to spend a bit of time there in early summer. In September I joined Avison Young as a graduate surveyor and am working on my APC. 

Why did you decide to take part in the Mentoring Scheme?

From hearing the experiences of past mentees I knew that this was an opportunity to learn more

about the industry beyond the lecture theatre. It was a chance to tap into decades worth of expertise

and increase my own personal network within the industry and alumni community. There were many mentors to chose from, each experts in different sectors within the industry so I had a great variety of choice.

What kind of support did your mentor offer to you?

My mentor, Andrew Hynard was outstanding from our first conversation. He’s been able to share his vast knowledge on the industry from his time at JLL and The Howard de Walden Estate, but also give

valuable advice on how to improve my career prospects. The first initial conversations were aimed at

getting to know a bit more about each other, then from there he got to know my strengths and tailored his advice to suit what would work best for me.

Do you feel that starting the Mentoring Scheme in lockdown affect your experience?

Although the first couple of conversations were online it didn’t inhibit our chats and often it makes it easier to connect with your mentor online as they have very demanding positions in the industry. In this sense I think it’s actually been of benefit to our relationship as we’ve been able to chat briefly at convenient times for both of us - lockdown streamlined the communication. Since the pandemic has

eased we have met on several occasions in London.

How do you feel your experience of being mentored has benefited you?

My mentor has had an exceptional career and one of my worries was that our conversations would be one sided, but it was more of a 50/50 split. We’ve been able to strike a great balance between his experience within the industry and some of my ideas for the alumni society that he is part of. I’ll certainly aim to be a mentor in the future once I land a good graduate position. I would advise any second years to join up for the scheme, to have access to all of the resources both your mentor, the scheme and OBREMS has to offer for free is something that you would greatly regret turning down.

Thanks Andrew!