Career Stories, Coming Soon…
At Common Ground, we believe that you can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why we’re excited to announce our brand video series; Career Stories, coming soon to our channels. Career Stories will shine a spotlight on the inspiring journeys of professionals from across the property and built environment sectors who have come from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and upbringings. Through honest conversations, we’ll explore how they found their way into the industry, the challenges they encountered along the way, and the lessons they learned throughout their careers. The series aims to help young people discover careers, pathways and opportunities they may never have considered before. From surveying and planning to architecture, engineering, project management and beyond, Career Stories will demonstrate that there is no single route into the industry and that successful careers can be built in many different ways. Most importantly, Career Stories will show that there is room for everyone in our industry. Could your story inspire the next generation? We’re looking for property and built environment professionals who are willing to share their career journey and help others see what’s possible. If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at info@commongroundcic.org.uk. You might also be interested in… You might also be interested in… All Posts News Career Stories, Coming Soon… At Common Ground, we believe that you can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why we’re excited to announce our… Read More ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ Returns to London In August, we were delighted to bring ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ back to London, welcoming more than 50 enthusiastic… Read More Reflecting on Work Experience Month: Why Meaningful Workplace Exposure Matters As Work Experience Month comes to a close, we took the chance to reflect on the value of work experience… Read More
‘From Student to CEO Networking’ Returns to London
In August, we were delighted to bring ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ back to London, welcoming more than 50 enthusiastic attendees! Kindly hosted by WSP on Chancery Lane, the event brought together people at every stage of their career journey. From school, college and university students to business leaders and CEOs, the room was full of energy, conversation and new connections. One of the things we love most about these events is seeing people who might never otherwise meet making genuine conversations. Advice is shared, questions are asked, experiences are exchanged and professional networks start to grow. That’s exactly what happened throughout the afternoon. We were particularly pleased to welcome two students who travelled from Denmark to attend. Hearing how much they valued the opportunity to meet industry professionals and build their networks was a great reminder of why these events matter. A huge thank you goes to WSP for hosting us and creating such a welcoming environment. Special thanks also to Darren Connolly, Victoria Smith and the wider WSP team for their support and hospitality. The excellent lunch certainly helped get the conversations flowing! Networking can open doors, build confidence and create opportunities, yet for many people it remains one of the least accessible parts of professional life. That’s why we continue to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, whether they’re a student taking their first steps into the industry or a CEO with years of experience to share. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the afternoon such a success. The conversations and willingness to support others are what make the Common Ground community so special. What’s Next? We’re incredibly grateful to Mills & Reeve and Deloitte, two hosts that have already stepped up for upcoming events, and we’ll be sharing more details soon. Whether you’re a student, apprentice, graduate, career changer, director or CEO, we’d love to welcome you to a future From Student to CEO event. You might also be interested in… You might also be interested in… All Posts News Career Stories, Coming Soon… At Common Ground, we believe that you can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why we’re excited to announce our… Read More ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ Returns to London In August, we were delighted to bring ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ back to London, welcoming more than 50 enthusiastic… Read More Reflecting on Work Experience Month: Why Meaningful Workplace Exposure Matters As Work Experience Month comes to a close, we took the chance to reflect on the value of work experience… Read More
Reflecting on Work Experience Month: Why Meaningful Workplace Exposure Matters
As Work Experience Month comes to a close, we took the chance to reflect on the value of work experience and the role it can play in opening doors for young people. Work experience remains one of the most effective ways for young people to gain insight into the world of work, build confidence, and make informed decisions about their future. Yet access is not equal. Those with family connections or existing professional networks often find it easier to secure placements, while many others are left to navigate the process alone. Research continues to show that a lack of work experience is one of the most cited barriers to employment among young people. Common Ground attended an RICS social mobility event on 14th August and so many of the young people in attendance confirmed that finding any work experience is a real challenge (and even if you secure some, you have the issue of making sure it is actually useful!) For Common Ground, this issue sits at the heart of our work. Providing meaningful exposure to workplaces, careers, and professionals can help level the playing field and give young people the confidence and knowledge they need to take their next steps. Work experience is more than a week out of the classroom. For many young people, it can be the first step towards a brighter future. Read the full article to hear the firsthand reflections of young people who have benefitted from work experience placements. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-reflections-wexmonth-lara-newman-meoue/?trackingId=OujebSH3AEJdxXen6OnEww%3D%3D You might also be interested in… You might also be interested in… All Posts News Career Stories, Coming Soon… At Common Ground, we believe that you can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why we’re excited to announce our… Read More ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ Returns to London In August, we were delighted to bring ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ back to London, welcoming more than 50 enthusiastic… Read More Reflecting on Work Experience Month: Why Meaningful Workplace Exposure Matters As Work Experience Month comes to a close, we took the chance to reflect on the value of work experience… Read More
Help Shape the Future of Common Ground
Applications Now Open for Our Board and Shadow Board At Common Ground, we believe that meaningful change happens when different perspectives come together around the same table. As we continue to grow, we are excited to open applications for two important opportunities: a third Non-Executive Director position on our Board and the chance to sit on our inaugural Shadow Board. Both roles will play a vital part in helping us achieve our mission of widening access to careers in the property and built environment sectors and ensuring that the voices of those we seek to support are reflected in our work. Interested in finding out more and possibly applying? Download the Shadow Board Information Pack below to learn more about the role, eligibility criteria and application process. Non-Executive Director Application Pack Shadow Board Application Pack You might also be interested in… You might also be interested in… All Posts News Career Stories, Coming Soon… At Common Ground, we believe that you can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why we’re excited to announce our… Read More ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ Returns to London In August, we were delighted to bring ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ back to London, welcoming more than 50 enthusiastic… Read More Reflecting on Work Experience Month: Why Meaningful Workplace Exposure Matters As Work Experience Month comes to a close, we took the chance to reflect on the value of work experience… Read More
What we will do
In recent discussions it has become clear that some in the sector assume we are another charity helping big corporates meet inclusion/access/diversity targets. We laud the efforts of those who do just this, their work is important and needed. But we are not them. We are not about bums on seats. We aren’t about providing lists of names to companies in exchange for donations. Instead, we believe passionately in helping individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds create the network they need to succeed in our sector. We aim to breach the often opaque networks that are barriers to access. We set out to give the rules of the game to those who need them and properly support them in navigating those paths with clarity and with financial support where needed. We know one conversation can make a difference, turn a life around, be that connection who opens up a world of possibilities. And yes, we will also continue running quality networking events that provide introductions that will do just that. We are about more than sourcing a week-long placement. We are there for the long run, through the placement, advocating for an apprenticeship, supporting at university, ensuring and even financing a summer internship, making introductions for post graduate jobs and preparing individuals for success in chosen qualifications and chartership. We will help our candidates build their Network for Life. This ethos will be mirrored in our consultancy commissions – the schools, colleges, public bodies, developers and other clients we work with will be encouraged to nominate those who they know do not have the support networks they need to succeed. So, do you know someone who needs our support? Want to hear more about our work? Reach out and join us on the journey. You might also be interested in… You might also be interested in… All Posts News Career Stories, Coming Soon… At Common Ground, we believe that you can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why we’re excited to announce our… Read More ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ Returns to London In August, we were delighted to bring ‘From Student to CEO Networking’ back to London, welcoming more than 50 enthusiastic… Read More Reflecting on Work Experience Month: Why Meaningful Workplace Exposure Matters As Work Experience Month comes to a close, we took the chance to reflect on the value of work experience… Read More