Griffith business graduate Sherifaye Jalloh is now a research analyst with Oliver Hume Corporation after being named the inaugural recipient of the real estate industry leader’s bursary.
The initiative involves a $2500 cash bursary and a six-month paid internship with Oliver Hume for the 21-year-old, who studied a double degree in Business and Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Real Estate and Property Development, before graduating in July.
Through the bursary she is gaining invaluable industry experience and has the opportunity to make connections with property development leaders in a range of fields.
This is precisely the aim of Andrew Perkins, National Head of Research at Oliver Hume, who originally devised the concept and successfully rolled it out in Victoria. Now the project is gaining similar momentum in Queensland after Griffith University linked up with Oliver Hume.
“Through the six-month paid internship, students will gain the kind of experience that will stand to them in the years ahead,” Andrew said.
“I’m confident it will provide a solid and exciting platform for successful and sustainable careers in the real estate industry going forward. I’m aware of how hard it can be for graduates to get into the industry
“The university link means we have highly-educated, industry-aware individuals connecting with our business, which ultimately improves the industry.”
Oliver Hume’s link with Griffith also incorporates $1500 support of an industry study tour undertaken by third year students.
The emphasis Oliver Hume places on client relationships and providing knowledge that leads to real estate solutions was among the factors that excited Sherifaye Jalloh when she applied for the bursary.
“Once she became aware of the bursary and the opportunity it could potentially lead to, Sherifaye started to consider how she would manage it if successful. “I thought if I secured the bursary it would be great to free up six months so I could take full advantage of the opportunity rather than combining it with my studies.
“I investigated the possibilities and found I was able to study two subjects during the summer semesters at the end of 2013 and the start of 2014. It meant I was able to complete my university studies ahead of schedule, which was fantastic.”
Her work as a research graduate analyst has demonstrated to her the value of research within the industry and it is an area she is interested in pursuing as a career. “Research is the foundation on which other industry business is built. I’m happy to know my work in that area can potentially be the cornerstone of further achievements in the future for other people.
“This opportunity has enabled me to apply the various skills I acquired through my studies at Griffith,” she said.
Further information on the Oliver Hume Corporation Bursary is available here.