University News Last updated 11 May 2011
A Birmingham City University student is celebrating after scooping a national property prize from the Association of Women in Property (WiP).
Lise-Ann Brennan, a final year student at Birmingham School of Architecture, was named as the leading Midlands property student at last week’s award ceremony. Lise-Ann now goes forward to the National Final which takes place in London in September.
The Association of Women in Property exists as a networking platform for women working in the property sector, with focus on professional growth, multi-disciplinary networking and business development. The student awards were initiated to highlight the need for the industry to engage with universities, widen the opportunities available for students, and to further the information students have of their career options.
Nichola Vine, Chairman of the Association of Women in Property’s Midlands Branch and Contracts & Construction Solicitor at Centro, said: “This is a tough Awards process when we ask the best degree students from across the region to compete against each other, in front of a panel of judges, to win a place in the national Final. Lise-Ann has done exceptionally well just to get this far and, armed with the experience these Awards bring, will be well equipped to make her mark on the industry. She is among the industry’s future stars.”
Lise-Ann wins £300, an opportunity for work experience, free membership of the Association upon graduating and the opportunity to participate in the WiP mentoring programme where a mentor will support her in her early career.
She said: “I am completely amazed and delighted to be given this Award. I realise I’m up against some other very talented girls so I’m particularly proud that the judges put their vote with me. These Awards are important because there is still an imbalance in terms of the low numbers of women in the property and construction industry, so we need to raise awareness to the career options out there.”
Ruth Reed, Course Director, PG Dip in Architecture Practice, added: “This is the second time in as many years that this prize has been awarded to a Birmingham City University student. With Lise-Ann taking the prize this year and Anjna Farmah in 2009 it demonstrates the talent and communication skills of our students. Lise-Ann really wowed the judges with her research and confident presentation delivery. I wish her the very best for the final in London in September. “
The National Student Awards ‘Best of the Best’ final takes place at Claridge’s in London on Tuesday 27th September, with the successful finalist winning £700 and a year’s membership of Women in Property.
Birmingham School of Architecture celebrated its centenary in 2009 and has well-established links with the best local architectural, landscape architecture and urban design practices in the region. Its courses are fully validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Landscape Institute. Superb teaching facilities and a focus on practical skills ensured 93% of its 2009 students were in employment or further study six months after graduation.
Birmingham City University is running a major awareness campaign in the Midlands to demonstrate how it is upgrading the future of individuals and companies. Find out more at www.bcu.ac.uk