Yanxun Shi, a MSc International Real Estate and Planning student, talks about her first two knowledge exchange meetings with partner organisations.
Meeting 1
Who did you meet with?
Pamela from Notting Hill Genesis.
How did you feel before the meeting?
I felt very nervous as it was my first time meeting with an organisation.
What was the best thing about the meeting for you?
It was very nice for me to talk to people outside of the university. They are exactly in the industry that I studied, and I learnt a lot from the practical perspective about housing crisis in the society. With Anne helping me in the meeting, I also learnt how to approach and communicate with an organisation in an appropriate manner.
What has changed for you, if anything, after the knowledge exchange meeting as you develop your dissertation ideas?
After the meeting, I confirmed my thought about writing my dissertation with an organisation, in order to fill the gap between the academics and the practice.
Meeting 2
Who did you meet with?
Robert from Camden Federation of Private Tenants.
How did you feel before the meeting?
I felt quite excited. I am very interested in the document he sent over and I did some research about the neighbourhood plan and even visited the place in person. I was very looking forward to talking with him about the issues brought up by his organisation.
What was the best thing about the meeting for you?
Robert knows a lot about the ongoing regeneration in London and we talked a lot about the problems of gentrification and social inequality. I really enjoyed our conversation.
What has changed for you, if anything, after the knowledge exchange meeting as you develop your dissertation ideas?
After the meeting, I enhance my understanding about what I have learnt in the university and I believe that this will help me to continue my study about real estate and planning.
Interested in discussing your collaborative research ideas with CRIS? You can book a 15-minute appointment to discuss your ideas with CRIS manager, Anne.