RREF Access Internship - Intern Experience

Hi, my name is Sanele and I am currently studying Real Estate Finance at the University of Reading. Last summer, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to participate in the RREF Access Internship Scheme, where I completed my internship at The Crown Estate. As someone with a strong interest in real estate, the experience provided valuable exposure to the industry and allowed me to learn from professionals across a range of disciplines.


What were your motivations for applying to the RREF Access Internship Scheme?
My motivation for applying to the RREFF Access Internship Scheme was to gain meaningful industry experience and build professional connections within the real estate sector. Coming from a background with no direct links to the industry, I understood that opportunities can often be difficult to access without and established network. The scheme offered a unique chance to gain exposure and learn more about the career paths available within real estate. It also provided support that helped remove some of the financial barriers associated with undertaking work experience.

What has been the biggest takeaway from your experience?
My biggest take away from this experience is that career paths are rarely linear. Having had the opportunity to speak with professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, I learned that there is no single route to success in the real estate industry. Many individuals took unexpected turns in their careers, faced setbacks or entered the sector from completely different disciplines. This taught me that it is important to remain open-minded, resilient and willing to embrace new opportunities as they arise.

What has been the biggest benefit of participating in the internship scheme?
The biggest benefit of participating in the internship scheme has been the opportunities it has created for me. Through the programme, I was able to meet and learn from industry professionals, expand my network and gain insight that would have been difficult to access otherwise. It has also increased my confidence when engaging with professionals and opened doors to future opportunities that may not have been available to me without the scheme.

Why do you think programmes like this are important for young people?
Schemes like the RREF Access Internship Scheme are important because they help create opportunities for students who may not have the same access to professional networks or work experience as others. The real estate industry can often seem difficult to break into without industry connections and schemes like this help level the playing filed by providing valuable exposure, mentorship and practical experience. They allow young people to develop their confidence, expand their professional network and gain a clearer understanding of potential career paths.

Did the internship change your understanding of the industry or career path you are interested in?
Absolutely. The internship showed me that teal estate is far broader and more interconnected than I initially realised. Even though professional may specialise in a particular discipling, the industry itself is highly collaborative, with finance, investment, development, planning, valuation and asset management all influencing one another. This experience reinforced my interest in finance and investment while giving me a greater appreciation of how different areas of the industry work together to create value and shape the built environment.

What would you say to a student who is considering applying for the scheme?
I would say to any student considering applying for the scheme is to take the leap and submit the application. You have nothing to lose and potentially a great deal to gain. Th scheme provides valuable exposure to the industry, access to professionals and opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. Even if you doubt whether you are qualifies enough applying could be the first step towards opportunities you never expected.

If you would like to learn more about the scheme, and are considering hosting an intern please click here.