Henry Finnis , Bachelor of Land and Property Management
Henry cut short a soccer scholarship in the United States to return to New Zealand and study property at Lincoln
Asked why he made this decision, the Bachelor of Land and Property Management student said: “I knew that Lincoln provided top degrees. I have always had in interest in real estate and this will help me prepare me for a career in the industry.
“The degree is also Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) certified. Once I graduate, I want to become a property valuer, working towards becoming a registered valuer.”
Henry says the great thing about Lincoln University is that it involves a lot of hands-on, real world work.
“We go on field trips and see first-hand how the property industry operates. In addition to this, some of our lecturers are also full-time registered valuers and real estate agents.”
He describes Lincoln courses as “plentiful and specific, more so than previous universities I have attended”.
“This helps you to learn and feel like you’re getting something out of each course. The small class sizes are also a bonus, as each professor knows you personally.”
So far, he has particularly enjoyed visiting properties and valuing them or taking trips into the Christchurch CBD, where his class would walk through some of the city’s most impressive buildings, such as Vodafone and the Grand Chancellor.
“Lincoln has helped me to grow so much academically. Such specialised classes definitely prepare you for work life beyond studies. From my work experience with valuation firms, I feel comfortable knowing what is required of me.
“Also, the people I have met are going to be lifelong friends,” he says.
He has high praise for the beautiful campus, with its multitude of trees and fields. “You don’t get that feeling of being surrounded by concrete.”
Henry plans to go overseas when he finishes studying.
“Once I am a registered valuer, I would like to move to England to work for a couple of years before returning to Christchurch to settle.”
Football has not been forgotten either, despite the scholarship departure.
“I play competitively for Selwyn United in the Mainland Premier League. My football goal would be to play for the Canterbury Dragons, the Christchurch representative side in the National League.
“I just feel Lincoln has helped me a lot. I am so grateful that I am doing a degree that I’m passionate about, with amazing career opportunities on the other side.”