A DUNDEE University student is to represent Northern Scotland in a prestigious national property competition.
Lucy Sumner, studying Town and Regional Planning, competed against five other students studying on built environment degree courses, to win the regional heat of the Association of Women in Property (WiP) National Student Awards.
She will now go through to the national final at Claridge’s in London, in September when she will compete against nine other young women from across the UK.
Fiona Forrest, chair of the Northern Scotland branch of WiP, congratulated Lucy on her win, saying: “This is a great achievement for Lucy.
“I can speak from experience as I was the first national winner of the WiP Student Awards, seven years ago, and I know how tough the competition can be.
“I’m sure that Lucy will find that, like me, she will benefit hugely from the experience.
“Yes, the judging process puts you through your paces in what might be your very first ‘business’ interview, but the feedback I received, the skills I acquired and the visibility I received from this award have been invaluable in establishing my career to date.
“The awards helped me onto my career path and the support of WiP since then has been terrific, which is why I’m now proud to be the new branch chair.
“I wish Lucy every success in the national final but, whatever the outcome, she is a winner, through and through.”
Ian Jessiman, board secretary of awards sponsor, Aberdeen Harbour Board, is a great supporter of the awards.
“This is the second year running that we have been involved with the awards, because we really do recognise their value, not just for the young women taking part but also the benefit to the industry.
“We were pleased that our involvement this year also included support for the finalists’ mentoring programme.
“Recognising and nurturing talent at an early stage, by helping the students sharpen their skills, will not only assist them as they progress into their chosen careers but will also benefit their future employers.”
Lucy receives a cheque for £300 and a trophy.
She said: “I couldn’t be happier. I’ve really enjoyed the awards and am so pleased I’ve made it through to the final, particularly as the competition has been pretty tough.
“I’d like to thank the judges for their belief in me.”
This year the judges found that the level of talent was so high that for the first time in Northern Scotland they also awarded a Highly Commended prize to Kjersti Monsen, who is studying a Masters in Architecture at Robert Gordon University.
In addition to Lucy there were five other regional finalists, all of whom were nominated by their universities.
They were invited to go before a judging panel of industry experts, where they were questioned on a piece of coursework and topical industry issues.
The finalists were:
* Kjersti Monsen, studying Masters in Architecture at Robert Gordon University;
* Magdalena Blazusiak, studying Architectural Technology at Robert Gordon University;
* Bikem Korkuter, studying Architecture at Dundee University;
* Jana Smuharova, studying Interior and Environmental Design at Dundee University;
* Olga Kuznetsova, studying Critical Making and Interiors at Dundee University; and
* Lucy Sumner studying Town and Regional Planning at Dundee University.
The 2013 judging panel included Ian Jessiman of Aberdeen Harbour Board, Natasha Douglas of Ryden, Maggie Bochel of Aberdeen City Council and Bruce Ballance of MRT Architects.
The national ‘Best of Best’ black tie dinner will be held at Claridge’s on 17th September.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
A photo is attached for your consideration. Included in the photo from left to right are: Lucy Sumner, winner; Ian Jessiman, board secretary of Aberdeen Harbour Board; Fiona Forrest chair of Northern Scotland Women in Property; Kjersti Monsen, Highly Commended.
Women in Property is a national organisation which was founded in 1987.
With over 1,000 members and 12 regional branches it represents all disciplines within the property and construction industry and provides a forum for business opportunities, the exchanging of views, networking and personal development.
www.womeninproperty.org.uk
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