Georgia Smith, 3 October, 2024 | PRD Real Estate Research Team
When you study a Bachelor of Property Economics at QUT, you'll experience a dynamic learning environment where the real world seamlessly integrates into the classroom. This is achieved through our strong industry partnerships, which bring industry professionals into the classroom to collaborate on assessments, deliver guest lectures, and offer valuable internships.
One of our most impactful partnerships is with PRD Real Estate. During their studies, students will engage with their research team to work on real industry projects, gain valuable industry insights, and for top-performing QUT students, even receive internship opportunities.
Bringing the real world into the classroom: the PRD-QUT partnership
PRD Real Estate’s industry expertise is integrated into our second-year Market Analysis unit, where they play a crucial role in students’ assessments.
Students are supplied with raw data on sales, rentals and development by PRD, a guest lecture from the Chief Economist at PRD, Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, as well as the opportunity for a one-on-one interview with a PRD Research team member. Using this information, students develop a Market Analysis Report for their assessment, gaining real experience in a task that mirrors what is done in industry.
Students not only gain valuable real-world experience from their involvement in the unit, but also get a chance at an internship. Associate Professor Connie Susilawati, head of property economics at QUT, explains, “the three finalists present their work to PRD who select a winning team. The winning team are offered an internship with PRD, which can count towards their studies.”
The benefits for QUT students
We spoke to recent Bachelor of Property Economics/Bachelor of Business graduate, Bonnie Lui, about how industry partnerships benefit students.
“As students, having industry partners like PRD Real Estate involved in units brings a range of benefits,” she says.
“We get to learn from industry experts with a wealth of experience, who can demonstrate how the theory we are learning in class is applied in the real world.”
Getting real-world experience with internships
Bonnie was in the top-performing team in Market Analysis and was offered internships with PRD’s Research team.
Reflecting on her experience, Bonnie shared, “My internship at PRD Real Estate was a transformative learning experience that will greatly benefit my future career. I not only gained insights into the real estate industry but developed valuable life skills.”
Current Bachelor of Property Economics/Bachelor of Business student, Thomas Kirk, was also in a top-performing team and offered an internship. This internship was pivotal in kick-starting his career.
“I worked primarily in the research department and got to learn about how the business operates day-to-day,” Thomas shared, “the opportunity to gain this industry experience before graduating has been of huge benefit to me and my future career.”
But Thomas' time at PRD didn’t end there, “after completing my internship, I was offered a role as a Junior Research Analyst, which I am doing while completing my degree.”
From intern to employee
Thomas’ transition from intern to employee isn’t a one-off. Current Bachelor of Property Economics/Bachelor of Business student, Campbell Wright, and Bachelor of Property Economics graduate, Steven Hayward, also turned their internships into permanent roles at PRD.
Steven shared with us his journey, which all began with an internship at PRD.
“The internship was invaluable. It helped me realise that research was an area I was passionate about and wanted to pursue, and led to a role as a Junior Research Analyst at the company after graduating. Since then, I’ve been promoted to Research Analyst.”
Dr Mardiasmo, explains that her reason for hiring QUT interns is their job-readiness, “the Bachelor of Property Economics at QUT produces extremely high-quality graduates. They come prepared with the knowledge and skills needed to hit the ground running.”
Setting QUT students up for success
Campbell credits QUT for the opportunity to get ahead in his career, “my studies equipped me with the foundational knowledge and connections needed to succeed in the property industry.
“Because of this strong foundation and QUT’s industry connections, I’ve been able to take on my first role in the property industry as a Junior Research Analyst before I’ve even graduated.”
Our strong industry connections with businesses such as PRD Real Estate, provide QUT students with essential real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional success. These partnerships not only enhance the learning experience but also pave the way for promising careers in the property industry.