Taking on the heights of the property development industry.
An intellectual curiosity led Sirine Deewan to leave her career in development management in Thailand and dive into Melbourne’s property industry.
Wanting to conquer her career as a development manager, Sirine took up the Master of Property program and immersed herself in the finer points of property development. She said the combination of theoretical and practical industry based skills was a critical reason she wanted to sharpen her skills at RMIT.
“In the industry I am working in, we need to be competent in the practical skills and techniques to do our job effectively,” she said.
“It is also best to understand the theories and principle - why something is being done. Theory gives clarity of thought, and this leads to good solutions and outcomes.”
One of Sirine’s career highlights was working for a company charged with co-designing the prestigious Zaha Hadid tower at 600 Collins Street, a 54-storey commercial and residential tower.
Sirine believes her studies at RMIT have not only helped her forge a career in the property development, but have inspired her to become a leader in the industry.
Inspirational leadership
“I believe that firstly, it has shaped my thinking so that I believe I am more methodical and effective, with better planning strategies for project work,” she said.
“My success in these studies has given me confidence which has encouraged my ambition.
“I also have received wonderful advice and support from the RMIT team including Judith Callahan, the program director of Property, Construction and Project Management.
“I am fully aware of her support through my study journey and beyond. Her advice and her leadership inspire me, and shape me to be successful in my career and personal development.
“I even aspire to be a mentor such as her one day, where I might help others in the same manner.”
Practical experience and academic skills
The program also helped Sirine learn about Melbourne’s market and gave her a solid connection to industry practices.
“I can say that RMIT is one of the best university experiences possible,” she said.
“The program is delivered by experts in their fields who combine practical experience with academic skills. This means that they were able to bring industry savvy to the table, as well as to encourage students to meet their study goals.
“Through core subjects such as Valuation Technique and Property Analysis, Development Decision and Investment Evaluation Technique, I have been able to explore the Melbourne property market, location influences and financial performance analysis, all of which are significantly valuable and applicable to the work I am doing.”
Today Sirine continues her work as a development manager and plans to continue her learning journey.
“I truly love what I’m doing and I will continue following my passion.”
Story: Kate Jones
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