Beijing experience for top Northumbria student

Shona, 22, is studying towards a BSc (Hons) Estate Managment degree at Northumbria University in Newcastle, and was one of only two student applicants nationwide to be chosen by CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to take part in a scheme to boost knowledge transfer.

Estate Management degree students throughout the UK submitted applications, with a shortlist of 10 being invited to London for an interview. Shona, along with an MA student from the Royal Agricultural College, were invited to Beijing following a second round of interviews.

The 9-week placement in China saw Shona working at the Beijing office of CBRE. During her time there she researched and presented a 20-page report on the main comparisons and similarities between the UK and Chinese retail sector.

Shona, originally from Blyth, said: “Being in such a different culture and so far away from home was scary but I believe I have grown from the experience. It was definitely a confidence builder.

“The people I worked with were very hardworking and helpful. I went out into various retails sites as part of my research and learned a lot about the way they do things.

“Overall, the experience was really positive.”

Shona is now in Newcastle taking part in a placement year at Sanderson Weatherall, an independent practice of chartered surveyors and property consultants. She believes that her time in Beijing has given her invaluable experience.

“I’ll definitely draw on my experiences in my future jobs,” she said. “CBRE have offered me an interview to join their two-year graduate scheme when I’ve completed my degree at Northumbria.”

Chris Brooke, President and CEO of CB Richard Ellis in Asia, said: “CB Richard Ellis and the RICS are very pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to students from the UK to experience working in China. The work placement programme is an excellent way for students to gain an understanding of working for an international company in an emerging market, as well as to develop an understanding of Chinese business culture, something which I personally believe will be very important in future years.

“It was great to see that Shona was fully committed to the programme and, as a result, she was able to make a significant contribution during her internship in Beijing.”