Gina Bugten-Dinesen, BSc Architecture

Learning alongside and networking with current professionals opens doors for students across industry and can lead to work experience and summer placement opportunities*. 

Following her graduation, Gina took up a role at Fletcher Priest as an Architectural Assistant, a job she set up while studying at Reading. 

"At the End of Year Show there was a representative from Fletcher Priest that saw my work and asked me to get in touch. I soon got an interview and secured a job." 

Gina is now able to apply the skills she developed at Reading on a regular basis. 

"Reading taught us a variety of design, research and communication skills. As well as this, my second year project and dissertation involved master planning and is now something I regularly work on. From my experience in industry, the importance of the software and modules learnt at Reading has really become apparent." 

After completing her second year of study at Reading, Gina also gained important experience on a summer placement which she found through the University. 

"It was really handy that Reading had the contacts to help us get summer jobs. During my time in practice I was able to expand on the skills I'd gained from my studies and apply them in my final year."

Chosen by Reading Students' Union as "Best New Society" in 2019, the Architecture Society offers students a chance to wind down and enjoy a mixture of events. Gina explains some of the activities the society gets up to having taken on the role of secretary during her final year.

"We wanted to be a society that was open for everyone. We organised film nights plus a lecture series where we discussed themes of architecture, and had other events in Reading town."

Gina is also keen to highlight the "community" feel to studying architecture at Reading.

"The fact that we are such a small group creates a sense of community where we are all friends and are confident enough to ask each other for help and learn. The tutors are also friendly and approachable which is key, especially coming from another country."

Gina now sees a master's in Architecture as her next step, with Reading being one of her options, and remains keen to learn as much as possible. 

"Studying at Reading has given me a strong set of knowledge and I'm excited for what the future holds." 

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 *Placement opportunities are fully dependent on students securing their own placement and this may involve a competitive recruitment process. The University provides dedicated career and application support.