The talent, skills and ambition of the South West’s female property and construction student undergraduates have been celebrated this month at the Women in Property South West Student Awards event in Bristol.
The Student Awards, seek out the best Built Environment degree students, highlighting 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.
The judging panels, comprising professionals drawn from Architecture, Engineering, Development and Surveying, met over two days to assess students from across the South West region. They announced two regional finalists who will now go through to the National final in September.
Amy Menzel, studying MEng Civil Engineering at the University of Bristol
The judges said: “Amy is knowledgeable, mature, confident and extremely employable. She is a role model for others, smart, modest and engaging.”
Emily Hacking, studying BEng Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter
The judges said: “Emily is very personable, confident and passionate. She is driven, engaging, enthusiastic, bright and savvy.”
In addition to the regional winners, the judges awarded Highly Commended to Roberta Lambert, studying Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of the West of England.
Amy Menzel said, “Being involved in the Women in Property Student Awards has been an incredible and thoroughly enjoyable experience which has hugely benefited my interpersonal and professional skills. I am delighted to have won the award and am very excited for the next part of what has already been an amazing journey.”
Emily Hacking said, “The South West regional finals at the Marriott Hotel Bristol was a night to remember. With not only the invaluable opportunity to get one on one feedback on my CV but also to be able to network with those from industry, the event was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and am very honoured to be a winner of such a prestigious prize. I look forward to representing the South West in the finals in London on 18th September.”
Ros Trotman, of Thrings LLP and South West branch Chairman of Women in Property, said, “This generation of property and construction professionals is entering the industry at a critical time, when every one of us must adopt a duty of care for our environment and our communities. These inspirational young women have demonstrated the skills, commitment and ingenuity the country will need in future and we are delighted to have met them during the course of this competition. Congratulations to all of them and, in particular to Amy and Emily – we wish them every success in the national final.”
“Hydrock is delighted to have sponsored the Women in Property Student Awards this year. Encouraging the next generation of young women into the industry is something we are extremely passionate about. We want to inspire excitement for the built environment in young people, and especially young women, as they are hopefully going to be the make-up of Hydrock in the years to come. The calibre of work shown was a credit to both the students and their lecturers. Hydrock welcomes any of the nominees getting in touch to talk about their career prospects. Well done to all.”
Ingrid Chauvet of RISE Structures said, “RISE Structures is delighted to be Sponsors of the awards. It was wonderful to see so much talent in the room. Well done to the winners but also to the nominees for producing such impressive presentations.”
Rachael Carter of Willmott Dixon said, “Willmott Dixon have been sponsors for three years in a row and again, it is truly inspiring to see the next generation of female talent, their passion, ideas and commitment is remarkable. All of the applicants are of an extremely high standard, just fantastic! We are very proud to sponsor the event and are looking forward to our 4th year in 2020.”
The winners each receive a trophy, £300 and the opportunity to take part in Women in Property’s acclaimed mentoring programme. They will represent the South West region on 18th September, when they go before a National judging panel, competing against 13 other regional finalists for the National Student Awards, which are sponsored by Bouygues, Linden Homes and Savills.
The winner will be announced at the Best of the Best Awards dinner, to be held at Claridge’s on 18th September. This year 137 students were nominated for the Awards, across eight of Women in Property’s branches. 14 were selected to go through to the Final.
