Synergy Income Fund Provides Bursaries And Internships For Aspiring Students

Leading JSE property company Synergy Income Fund is giving aspiring students the chance to gain invaluable experience in the listed property sector through bursaries and internships.

For economically disadvantaged but talented students with a keen interest in pursuing a successful career in property, the chance to grow a solid foundation in the industry and gain sought-after experience is the opportunity of a lifetime.

In partnership with Go for Gold and the University of Cape Town, Synergy is investing in future industry leaders by providing bursaries and internships and that will see some of South Africa’s brightest minds hone and develop their skills to realise their full potential.

The Go for Gold Programme is a public-private partnership between several property companies and the Western Cape Education Department. Go for Gold aims to develop disadvantaged young people through education, training and mentoring.

William Brooks, CEO of Synergy Income Fund, says: “Synergy aims to make a difference to South Africa’s economic and social interfaces by empowering entrepreneurs and educating the youth on opportunities in the property field.”

JSE-listed Synergy is a specialised retail property fund with a specific focus on midsized community and regional shopping centres in high-growth nodes. It owns 15 shopping centres in seven provinces valued around R2.2 billion. It is dominated by commuter-oriented centres in township areas and rural towns.

Its innovative programme, launched this year, sees Synergy receive matric graduates through Go for Gold, and provide them with a one-year internship where they gain exposure to all aspects of the company and its business. After this internship the students become eligible to apply for the Synergy Bursary Programme.

The Synergy Income Fund Bursary Programme offers bursaries for the University of Cape Town to complete a B.Sc. in Property Studies from undergraduate level through to Masters. The Bursary is offered to deserving previously disadvantaged students with consistent above average academic performance.

“Students have the opportunity to complete their degree and commence an exciting and challenging career path,” says Brooks.

In addition, the Synergy Income Fund Graduate Internship Programme is a six-month opportunity for University of Cape Town Property Studies (Honours or Masters) graduates, Quantity Surveying and Construction Management Honours graduates, and Business Science Graduates.

This singular opportunity provides exposure to different areas in the property industry, including property management, asset management, leasing, property developments and investments. The graduates are based at Synergy’s offices in Claremont, Cape Town; Sandton, Johannesburg and at Synergy’s retail centres across South Africa.

“The property sector’s continued success is advanced by developing young people, helping them realise their potential and providing exciting career opportunities. This is our way of investing in the future of our sector and South Africa’s youth,” concluded Brooks.

Students with a passion for property can send their CV and transcript to careers@synergyincomefund.com to be considered for the Synergy Bursary and Internship Programme.