The RICS Women in Construction Scholarship supports professionals looking to develop their skills, expand their knowledge, and pursue new opportunities within the built environment, by providing them with a place on the RICS Diploma in Adjudication.
For Rebecca McKeown, being selected as a successful candidate represents both recognition of her progress and an exciting step forward in her career.
In this interview, Rebecca reflects on her experience of the application process, what motivated her to apply, and the value she gained from taking part.
What motivated you to apply for the RICS Women in Construction Scholarship, and what stood out to you about the opportunity?
I was motivated to apply because I wanted to strengthen both my technical knowledge and professional pathway within the sector. The RICS Women in Construction Scholarship stood out to me because it not only supports academic and professional development, but also actively promotes greater diversity and representation within the industry. I also liked that it connects you with a wider network of people who are working towards similar goals in the built environment.
How did you find the scholarship application process, and what was your experience of putting your submission together?
The process was straightforward and made me think a lot. Putting the application together gave me a chance to properly reflect on why I chose this career path and what I want to get out of it long-term. It was one of those exercises where you realise how much you’ve already learned and achieved when you take a step back and write it down.
What did it mean to you to be selected as a successful candidate?
It means a lot. It felt really encouraging and gave me a real confidence boost, especially knowing it was recognised by RICS. For me, it reinforced that I’m on the right path and motivated me even more to keep progressing and making the most of the opportunities ahead.
Was there a particular part of the process, such as the application, interview, or assessment, that you found especially valuable or insightful?
The most valuable part of the process for me was the application stage, particularly writing about my motivations and future goals. It helped me clarify the direction I want my career to take and identify the areas I want to focus on developing further. The interview was also really useful because it gave me the chance to talk through my goals and experiences out loud, which helped me feel even clearer about where I’m heading. The interviewers were kind, positive and encouraging.
How would you describe your overall experience of the scholarship process to someone considering applying in the future?
I’d definitely say it’s worth applying for. Even just going through the process is valuable because it makes you reflect on your goals and where you want to go in your career. It’s a really positive experience overall.
What advice would you give to other women in construction who are thinking about applying for the scholarship?
I’d say just go for it and be yourself in your application. Also, take your time with it and use it as an opportunity to really think about your career path, because that part alone is really valuable.
Find out more
Rebecca’s experience highlights how the application process itself can be a valuable step in professional development — offering time for reflection, clarity, and confidence building, regardless of outcome.
Visit RICS Women in Construction Scholarship to learn more and how to apply.