Property student awarded priceless industry experience

Gardner, a final year student in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuation) (Honours), was announced as the recipient of the GPT Group Scholarship and Graduate Program for 2016.

The scholarship includes two days per week paid work experience on an 11-month fixed-term contract with GPT Group, one of Australia’s largest property management groups with an extensive portfolio of shopping centres, office towers, logistics centres and business parks.

Gardner said the scholarship helped her complete her final year of study at RMIT.

“The scholarship allowed me to purchase textbooks and contribute to my rent, meaning I was able to continue living within close proximity to uni and work.”

The prospect of gaining experience with a top performing property company prompted Gardner to apply for the scholarship, and she hit the ground running in her new position, rotating through the retail and office teams and even travelling to Sydney for a business trip.

“I learnt how both retail and office asset management teams operate, how to interact with tenants and how to work with various reporting software.

“The program has also allowed me to start building a professional network of GPT colleagues.”

Gardner urged anyone with a passion for the field to apply for the life-changing scholarship.

“Future students who are interested in asset management or want exposure to a top Australian property company should definitely apply. The opportunity to learn from colleagues who have been in the property industry for years offers both educational and networking benefits.”

Story: Courtney Johnson