Business Networks

The Business Networks are organised by Rob Walker from the OL Club Committee and the Foundation Office. The latest Property Network event took place at 39 Essex Chambers in London on Thursday 12 May.

The panel of five OLs who work in the Property sector was chaired by Neesha Gopal (Manor 1983–1985) and included Aldous Hodgkinson (Head’s 1975–1979), Philip Mitchell (Field’s 1992–1997), Richard Bayliss (Second’s 2002–2007) and Polly Graham (Field’s 2001–2006). The panel members ranged from architects to real estate directors; each gave an overview of their role, their different paths into the industry, and the key considerations, developments and challenges they are facing today. Sustainability and the current global economic situation were prominent points of discussion in the Q&A session. Pupils were keen to seek information on investments, the challenges facing the property sector and how their A Levels can translate to a career in the industry.

The evening saw a welcome mix of OLs, guests and Sixth Form pupils, all with a keen interest in the sector. Lancing Sixth Formers were also able to discover more about the breadth of options available within the industry and to learn about the particular qualities that employers look for in the recruitment process. Guests then enjoyed some networking and refreshments, exchanging ideas and exploring opportunities.

Brook Langmead (Lower Sixth) said: ‘The Property talk was both informative and thought-provoking and gave me an insightful viewpoint on the property business and what it would be like to work in that industry. I spoke to some successful people in that world and discovered useful information about a dynamic and environmentally challenged sector.’

Teodoro Babarov (Lower Sixth) said: ‘The Real Estate session was very interesting; I had the chance to talk to many people who work in various areas of that industry and could offer different views. I especially enjoyed talking to Neesha Gopal as she is an architect and has a lot of experience. She was the architect on the Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi and had worked with Zaha Hadid.’

The next Business Network will be covering Advertising and Marketing and is scheduled for the Advent Term.