Various firms in the City of London are offering a new six-week internship for those wanting to pursue their careers in the commercial property sector.
Businesses that will be getting involved include Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), Herbert Smith Freehills, Mishcon de Reya and Nabarro, and they will allow graduates to have six weeks of solid experience in the industry. As part of the scheme, a third of an intern's time will be spent in a commercial property department of a company, whilst the rest of the time will be spent at a real estate investment trust and a commercial property consultancy.
The internship, which has been backed by not-for-profit firm Sociable Surveyors, hopes to teach the commercial and legal factors of the industry to those interested in climbing the property career ladder. This will enable graduates of the initiative to then stand out from the crowd when applying for future jobs, especially in this tough economic climate when job availability is limited.
Other firms that are set to be part of the scheme include Ashford Solicitors and Howard Kennedy FSI. The latter in particular is offering the internship to two graduates and has joined with the Berkeley Group, CBRE and Capita Symonds for other work experience opportunities.
According to The Lawyer, Nabarro real estate partner Clare Thomas said: “Giving young people the opportunity to experience work at British Land, Savills and Nabarro provides them an unparalleled insight into what life is really like within the UK real estate sector. It also emphasises the importance of the different professions working together and forging strong relationships. This type of scheme is vital if we are to win and retain top talent for the industry.”
The summer programme is set to begin later this month.