Claudine Tracey

MSc Real Estate Management

After studying a degree in English and Psychology, Claudine found herself working as a Personal Assistant for a property development company which sparked a deeper interest in the property industry. Claudine’s master’s experience has helped her climb the career ladder and defy gender stereotypes.

“My journey to where I am now wasn’t a conventional one. I’d initially completed an undergraduate degree in English and Psychology. The career path I’m on now was something I never thought possible for me, thinking only men could do the role. Once I let that misconception go, I realised I had the skill set to pursue a career in property, and I was determined to do the job well.

I hadn’t always dreamed of going into the property industry. It wasn’t until I was working for a property developer in Birmingham City Centre that my interest in the sector was piqued. I started working as a Personal Assistant, but I quickly developed a love for the industry and started picking up extra responsibilities and doing the work of a surveyor but without the relevant qualifications.

I started to look into degrees that would give me a better chance of progression in my career, and that’s when I discovered Birmingham City University. I was fortunate to receive a loan from my employer to pursue my postgraduate degree, which helped me to go back into education.

The lecturers were friendly and extremely helpful and the university itself was so well equipped. I found myself in the library a lot because I loved the breakout areas. It also helped me to be around everyone reading and studying, as it helped me to focus more.

Still, the prospect of going back to university was daunting. I was already juggling being a mum and working part-time, and I wasn’t sure how I'd juggle studying as well. There were days when I was exhausted, but I stayed focused on the end goal and got myself there. A lot of people judge you as a young, single mum, but I was determined to prove them wrong.

Although the number of women in our industry is growing, it is still very male-dominated. Many individuals also have a family background in property and have lived and breathed it from a very young age. However, my master’s made me realise that I’m just as capable as anyone else and that talent can come from all walks of life. It’s important to encourage diversity in our sector because it’s what makes our industry thrive.

Since graduating, I changed companies and started the Development Assistant role at a national development business, Godwin Developments. Within a year I was promoted to Development Manager and I’ve worked my way up from there. I’m now an Associate Director of Roadside and Retail.

One day, I’d like to be head of my department. Studying for my master’s degree set me up perfectly for that career progression because it taught me about all the different aspects of the industry. The various modules prepared me well for everything I now do on a day-to-day basis and I know that knowledge paired with my experience will carry me into a more senior position.

Property is an exciting and rapidly evolving industry. I can confidently say the course equips you very well for what we will meet in the real world. There are so many skills I learnt that I now use in my role, such as going out for measured surveys, and group work which was a solid foundation for collaborating with consultants. I also enjoyed the law-focused module which was super valuable, and it is now a major part of my role - whether it is buying, letting, or selling a completed development.

My advice to anyone considering studying at BCU is to go for it - you’ll be surrounded by like-minded, driven individuals who will give you the confidence to succeed.

‘I AM BCU’ means having the tenacity and drive to know what you want and the determination to achieve it, whoever I am, and wherever I come from.”