Landsec welcomes its Westminster scholars to offices for exclusive industry experience

Landsec are one of the largest publicly-listed Real Estate companies in Europe, with a portfolio of retail, leisure, workspace and residential hubs. The two Landsec scholars at Westminster are Veckene Kayila, a Real Estate BSc Honours student, and Stela Botnari, a Real Estate Development MSc student. Each scholar has received £10,000 per year of studying and has been offered insightful mentorship to help support their journey from university to work.

The scholars are the first in their families to go to university and come from a widening participation background.

For Stela Botnari, the journey into Real Estate has been shaped by resilience and a strong professional background. Having worked in the industry both in Moldova and the UK, she decided to study at Westminster because of its strong industry connections. 

She said: “Starting the Real Estate BSc Honours course at the University of Westminster gave me structure and deeper academic grounding. After graduating in June 2024, I continued on the Real Estate Development MSc course, building on that foundation. It's been a challenging but fulfilling road marked by transitions, cultural adjustments and personal development. I’ve evolved from someone with ambition to someone equipped with both knowledge and purpose.”

She added: “The University fosters an inclusive, supportive environment and offers real opportunities to connect with the industry - from career fairs to networking events and international projects. It’s been the right place for me at every journey stage.”

Veckene was inspired to choose this path when she went on a young enterprise trip when she was in Year 12. During the trip she spoke with a lawyer who emphasised that the industry is more than just selling properties – it is about supporting clients and creating strong communities. 

About this visit Veckene said: “It was a really eye-opening experience as she told me how she helps people escape and get a different property away from abusive homes, which inspired me as I love helping people. It showed me that Real Estate connects with and supports communities, so I wanted to learn more about the industry.”

The Landsec scholarship has been a game-changer for both students. Veckene shared: "The scholarship has given me financial freedom and a mentor who helps me with my studies and career advice.”

Stela added: "It’s been a source of motivation, mentorship and professional growth. The support has allowed me to focus on becoming the professional I aspire to be."

Their visit to the Landsec offices was a highlight of their journey so far. Veckene described it as "welcoming, engaging and fun" while Stela found the visit particularly inspiring, saying, "what impressed me most was their genuine commitment to creating buildings that provide long-term social value".

Both scholars have ambitious plans for the future. Veckene is currently exploring careers as a Chartered Surveyor or a Real Estate Project Manager. Stela also is aiming to become a Chartered Surveyor, specialising in urban regeneration and sustainable development, with long-term plans to launch her own consultancy focused on ethical, community-driven development. 

For students unsure about their career paths, both scholars had words of encouragement. Veckene said: “Don’t panic or compare yourself to others because they know their next steps and you don’t because everybody’s journey is different. Explore and talk to someone who knows you best or someone you’re comfortable with to help you with your next steps and do what you enjoy, as that could spark an idea of what to do next.”

Stela added: “If you’re unsure about your path, that’s okay - most of us don’t have it all figured out at 18. What matters is staying open to experiences, trying things out and learning what you enjoy and don’t. Don’t be afraid to take detours - every step, even the unexpected ones, can teach you something valuable. Most importantly, believe in your ability to grow.”

Simay Sali Sevik, Development Manager of Major Gifts at the University of Westminster, said: "Building strong relationships between our students and industry leaders is at the heart of what we do. Scholarships like the one offered by Landsec are more than just financial support—they provide mentorship, career insights and a sense of belonging in the professional world. Meeting their scholars in person and welcoming them to their offices is a testament to Landsec’s commitment to nurturing future talent and creating real opportunities for students from all backgrounds."

Rob Hume, Senior Development Director and Mentor for University of Westminster students, said: "At Landsec, we believe that diversity in the Real Estate industry is crucial for shaping the future of our communities. Our Landsec Futures bursary programme is designed to create opportunities for university students studying placemaking courses by investing in their career development and offering mentoring opportunities, and we are delighted to be able to do this through our continued partnership with the University of Westminster. These mentorships aim to enrich the student's knowledge and expand their network within the built environment. We hope that discussing real-life projects from our portfolio with mentees will broaden their understanding and provide valuable examples for their studies.”

The scholarship and the opportunities it offers directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequality. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Learn more about the scholarships available at the University of Westminster.

To find out how organisations can collaborate with the University, contact Westminster’s Development Team.