Hannah Wilson has always had a natural passion for property and knows one day it will be her career.
The Lincoln Bachelor of Land and Property Management student has received some help towards achieving that goal.
She is the first recipient of the new Property institute of New Zealand (PINZ) /New Zealand Institute of Valuers (NZIV) Keystone Trust Scholarship. In 2019, the Institutes entered into a partnership with the Keystone Trust to provide $5000 of funding to a student on track to complete their property degree
The assistance is not all financial, she said.
“The support and encouragement received is really above and beyond. Everyone has been so supportive and motivating. I have received some priceless advice and knowledge from great mentors and property professionals.”
She specialises in Valuation and Property Management in her degree, and the decision to study was an easy one to make.
“I knew it would provide me with the guidance, confidence, experience and knowledge I require going into the property industry to become successful.
“I have always felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to work towards a career that I have such a passion for.
“I am currently working towards an additional major in Event Management which has allowed me to learn some useful ‘soft skills’ and project management aspects skills which I believe complements the Bachelor of Land and Property Management well.
“My studies at Lincoln University have been the most exciting years of my life.”
The Keystone Trust was established to provide support to students with circumstantial and/or financial hardship.
Health issues within Hannah’s family meant income was restricted.
“From 15 years old I had my first job working in a café, I learnt from a young age how to work hard, save and support myself. I believe the financial hardship my family went through allowed me to learn the true value of hard work and how rewarding it can be.”
Another work role also lent itself to her property dreams
“I have enjoyed in helping people care for and restore their homes through working at Resene Paints.
“I have learnt how to add value to a home through renovation, for example, stripping old wallpaper and painting can completely transform a space and add value to a home. I have completed many renovation projects and find a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment when doing so.”
She choose Lincoln as it is the only South Island university to offer such a diverse degree.
“The valuation profession has always called to me, and now, three years into my studies, it calls to me even more so. Becoming a valuer has always been my number one goal and dream job.
“I recently completed some practical work experience with Maxwell Valuation which is based in North Canterbury. As I was born, and grew up in the area, I feel very comfortable and excited to gain valuation experience there. It's amazing how much I've learnt after only two weeks.”
She found out about the Keystone Scholarship when emailing Property Institute NZ about a student membership and was encouraged to apply for it.
“Receiving the Scholarship means I will be able to spend more time studying and completing my practical work requirement (12 weeks), and fewer hours working at my part-time job.
“The industry connectivity and support I have gained is invaluable and I cannot be more grateful. To be the recipient of the Keystone Trust/PINZ Scholarship for 2020 is an incredible honour.”
You can find out more about the many scholarships available to Lincoln University students on our scholarships page www.lincoln.ac.nz/Apply/Scholarships/