Plymouth student wins national property industry award

Sarah Parker
Authored by Sarah Parker
Posted: Friday, September 29, 2017 - 12:50

The 2017 Women in Property (WiP) National Student Awards have been won by Civil Engineering student, Caitlin Mitchell.  Caitlin, who is currently on a year's work placement at Aecom in Belfast, studies Civil and Coastal Engineering at the University of Plymouth, competed against 12 other student finalists from across the UK, in the competition which seeks to find the property and construction industry’s future stars.

The National Student Awards are now in their eleventh year, in which time over 900 students have been through the Awards programme, which explores their course work, challenges their wider industry knowledge and encourages them to hone and develop their interpersonal skills.  This year has seen the highest ever number of contenders, with 105 students nominated by their lecturers, representing 44 Universities.

The Awards recognise the talent available to the industry, while students are still studying.  They aim to highlight to industry the necessity to link with Universities early in the education process and also improve the students’ knowledge of the career options available to them.  Many secure work placements as a direct result of competing in the Awards, which often translate into permanent positions upon graduation.

Caitlin was described by the judges as “Having great enthusiasm and vibrancy.  She has a strong, dynamic personality, is very engaged and knowledgeable about the industry, she will be a superb ambassador for young women in the industry.”

Caitlin was presented with her award at the Best of Best dinner, held at Claridge’s, where The Crown Estate’s Chief Executive, Alison Nimmo CBE gave the keynote address, applauding the business leaders in the room who are transforming their own businesses.

She urged the student finalists to, “Own your own career – too many women underestimate their own talent; be the leader you wish you had, building diverse teams around you; and remember that life begins outside your comfort zone, boundaries are there to be pushed.”

Caitlin said, “I’ve enjoyed every moment of the Awards process.  It’s been a thoroughly worthwhile and rewarding challenge, through which I have had the opportunity to grow and learn as much as possible about the industry I now work in.”

Brenda Jones, National Chairman of the Association of Women in Property, said, “I’m sure I speak for my fellow judges when I say how impressive, professional and inspirational all the finalists were but, in particular Caitlin who just had the edge and thoroughly deserves the top prize. The industry can look forward to welcoming some very talented young women in the near future.”

WiP is grateful to the support of three national sponsors, Bouygues UK, Cushman & Wakefield and Linden Homes, who have not only sponsored the Awards but also offered work placements to some of the regional finalists.

Caitlin won £700 and a year’s membership of Women in Property.  All the participants benefit from an increased profile and visibility among some of the industry’s top companies.  

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