Chinese real estate experience for top Northumbria student

Real estate student Shona McLean, who studies at the University of Northumbria, has completed a work placement in Beijing, after being chosen above dozens of university students across the country.

McLean 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.

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

McLean 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.”

Chris Brooke, president and chief executive 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.”