Property scholarships start challenging career

A career in the property sector offers challenge and variety and for Theodore Berney is already off to a flying start with a $10,000 scholarship plus a work placement.

Mr Berney of Sydney’s Northern Beaches has won the 2012 award from property group GPT. Launched in late 2010, the GPT Award recognises a student striving to enter the property sector. The $10,000-a-year scholarship includes a rotational paid work placement with The GPT Group of up to four months.

In partnership with the University of Western Sydney (UWS), the GPT Award is offered within the Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Property) course at UWS and is aimed at strengthening sustainability and fostering growth in the property sector.

Mr Berney is in his final year of studies at UWS. The UWS undergraduate course covers property management, property development, property investment, economics, law, accounting and management providing students with the necessary knowledge base for working in the property sector.

GPT CEO and Managing Director, Michael Cameron said the Award reflects GPT’s commitment to bringing the business and education sectors together to improve the transition from university to work.

“GPT is focused on developing the skills and knowledge of local students to ensure they are equipped to grow Australia’s economy in the future,” Mr Cameron said.

Geoffrey Atkinson was the inaugural GPT Award recipient in December 2010. Mr Atkinson has since joined GPT in a full time role as assistant retail manager at GPT’s Carlingford Court.

“The financial support has been fantastic. However, the hands on experience I have gained in my role with GPT cannot be paralleled,” Mr Atkinson said.

“I have actually been able to work on live projects that have included some of the country’s leading developments and property management initiatives.  The Award has helped me to successfully transition from being a full-time uni student to securing a great career position in the property industry,” Mr Atkinson said.

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