Women Building Futures: Student Profile: Alexandra Teeuwsen

An interview with Alexandra Teeuwsen – Student of the Property and Valuation Undergraduate degree.

Where are you working now?

“Knight Frank, Melbourne”

What is your role and what activities does your role entail on a daily basis?

“It is a Student Program, rotating through four different sectors; Valuations, Industrial/Commercial Agency, Property Management and CBD Leasing”

What was your favourite part of your degree?

“I definitely enjoyed the Asset Management Class and when we go to do assignments that involved site visits.”

What do you like best about your role?

“I have only just started the program but I am looking forward to getting the opportunity to rotate through so may different property divisions”

What attracted you to your role?

“Knight Frank has always been my dream company, so when I saw that there was a student program I applied instantly. Having the opportunity to rotate through departments is a very privileged position to be in”

What is most important to you when looking for a job?

“Growth within a company and the culture they create within the workplace. This can be difficult without working at a company first, however, public knowledge and opinion of a company is very valuable.”

Tell us about your career journey so far.

“At the beginning of my degree I decided to do some work experience at Jas Stephens Real Estate in Western Melbourne. After a week I was offered the opportunity to interview for a Personal Assistant Position to a Senior Agent. I was successful and worked as a PA for three years. In my final year of my degree now I applied for the Knight Frank Student Program and was also successful.”

Tell us about the challenges and triumphs you have faced as a female in a male-dominated industry

“It is important to be very confident in the workplace, this does not mean you need to know everything. In fact if you don’t know something be confident when asking. However, overall I have not experienced any discrimination nor have I ever felt my status as a female has affected my progression.”

If you could say one thing to young females looking to enter the industry – what would it be?

“I would definitely say to start now! When you are at university it is so important to try and get a position within the industry whether it be a PA or reception job the knowledge and language you gain in incredibly useful and will set you above your peers.”

Anything else you would like to share?

“Your career path is what you make of it, there is nothing stopping you from getting into the industry now and starting your success.”

Read more about the International Women’s Day event: Women Building Futures: Careers in Property, Construction and Project Management here:

• About the event
• How to get involved
• Special Guest speaker: Carolyn Parker
• Alumni: Share your stories
• Call for marketing gifts for show bags
• Women@RMIT mentoring track launch
• MC Announced – A/Prof Iyer-Raniga
• Alumni Panel member Announced: Vanessa Goulding