This is a precursor to the establishment of a formal student sub-committee, which aims to be in place in the near future. 

“Through this initiative SAPOA aims to facilitate contact between students and prospective employers in the property industry.” says Sean Godoy, a fourth year BSC Property Studies student and the chairman tasked with the formation of the new student committee. 

SAPOA has an active role in the commercial and industry property industry and the organisation represents the majority of investors and owners in the sector.

Neil Gopal, CEO for SAPOA says, “SAPOA’s newest committee holds benefits for the industry, where property skills are crucial for the development of the sector, as well as for students keen on finding out more about companies, internships and careers.”       
 
SAPOA’s informal student activities have been well supported since the beginning of the year, with the Facebook group a popular site with over 100 followers.

“This is proving a useful resource, with interesting articles and other relevant posts regularly updated.” says Godoy.

The focus on students has also included the first delegation of sponsored students to the annual SAPOA convention. Participation at career days at universities that run property courses is also on the agenda.

Godoy adds, “We hope to create an excellent interface between property students or students who have interest in property, and the commercial property industry. This will include networking events as well as negotiating opportunities where companies in the industry host students, either for information sessions or vacation work.”

With membership fees set at a reasonable R300, students will also benefit from a newsletter that SAPOA’s newest committee in-the-making hopes to publish. Also in the pipeline is a range of activities such as mentoring programmes and forging affiliations with other student and property associations locally and globally.