York St John student undertakes work placement with award winning company

A former York Press Business Awards winner has taken a York St John University business student under her wing to give top level insight into a career in property development. 

Rebecca Cliff, who is in her second year studying Business Management at York St John University, has spent five weeks with MD Ann Scott and the team at York-based property company, S Harrison Developments, to gain experience in property development.

Rebecca has been involved in all aspects of the business, joining client meetings, learning about the structure and management of the business and seeing live development projects progress.  The experience will also form the basis of an assignment which will count towards her BA Honors degree.

Rebecca, who is originally from Hull, organised the placement after looking for an opportunity to support her desire to progress a career in property development post-graduation. 

Says Rebecca: “Working with Ann and the team has been a really important and inspiring experience.  I’ve learned a lot about wider business practices, improved my communication skills and built confidence in handling professional situations.  Working for such an ambitious and successful company has motivated me to succeed both academically and in my future career in property.”

Says Ann Scott, whose Women in Business award was one of two accolades for S Harrison at last year’s Press Business Awards: “Bringing on young aspiring business-people, whatever their gender, is an integral part of our ethos here at Harrison.  It’s something we would positively encourage other businesses to do.                                                                                                                                  

“The benefit is two ways.  Rebecca has gained valuable insights, but so have we.  Having to go back to basics to explain in clear and simple terms what your own business is about is a great re-learning process.

“We’ve been delighted to link up with York St John University to give Rebecca the chance to gain hands-one experience of work in the property sector.  We’ve been thoroughly impressed by her commitment and aptitude.”

Says David Chesser, Pro Vice Chancellor (Resources) at York St John University, “We value work based learning as a tremendous enhancement to students’ overall academic experience.  Rebecca’s placement with S Harrison Developments has been hugely valuable, giving her a window into the area of work she wishes to pursue and we are grateful for the high level guidance the firm has provided.”