On Monday we were delighted to welcome back alumna, Emma Burton (DAHS 2012), who delivered an inspirational Lunchbox Lecture to our Senior School and Sixth Form students.

Currently an Associate at real estate advisory firm, Gerald Eve, Emma spoke about her time at school and why she decided to study Geography and Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Birmingham. Following her undergraduate degree, Emma gained a Masters with Distinction at the University of Reading. Emma’s passion for urban planning initially led her into quantity surveying at Gardiner & Theobald where she undertook a number of roles and qualified as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. 

In her role at Gerald Eve, she is working on a number of interesting projects including growing the firm’s international business with a new boutique hotel and student accommodation, both in Dublin. Emma spoke candidly about how the sector has been male dominated, and was keen to let students know that this is changing, with initiatives and opportunities that will hopefully encourage more women to consider careers in surveying, construction and property

Parmita Achari (Lower Sixth) reflected: “Attending Emma’s Lunchbox Lecture was possibly one of the best opportunities I’ve had so far at BGS. Emma gave us insight on what life as a surveyor looks like and was very transparent in doing so; preparing us for life beyond BGS. It was very inspiring that an alumna of BGS has been so successful and has achieved many goals in such early stages of her life, which is hopefully where I see myself in a couple of years’ time. I was so driven by her talk and interested in what she does that I have already reached out to Emma asking for work experience at Gerald Eve.”