Program
Beedie Urban Development Program
A select group of 25 students will be chosen for the SFU Beedie Urban Development Program. These students will learn the fundamentals of urban development through a series of interactive workshops and have exclusive opportunities to network with top urban development professionals. The eight-week program schedule is as follows:
Workshops and Office Tours
A series of workshops will be delivered by experienced industry professionals over the course of eight weeks. Designed to be interactive and engaging, the program will give students the chance to enhance their knowledge of the urban development industry. Each workshop will feature a one hour lesson on the weekly topic, followed by an interactive case study. Participants will also have access to exclusive office tours with prominent urban development firms. Through these tours, participants will have the chance to see firsthand how a development firm is run and to make connections with potential employers.

Week | Focus |
1 | Career Development An opportunity for students to refine and re-develop their resumes with SFU Beedie's Career Managment Centre. |
2 | Building Design The role of architectural design and community development process. |
3 | Urban Planning The city and its residents as stakeholders. Some areas of focus include zoning for whom, approvals, and community advocacy. |
4 | Land Assembly Re-zoning requirements and how developers acquire and accumulate new development opportunities. |
5 | Project Feasibility Topics include long term planning, proforma development, lending, and approval timelines. |
6 | Development Introducing the approval process, public-private relationships, and the interdependence between various departments. |
7 | Sales and Marketing Legal requirements and the contract writing process. Vancouver-specific marketing strategy is also covered. |
8 | Brokerage The commercial industry and brokerage. Topics include the leasing process, market trends, and contract review. |
9 | Industry Night Celebratory reception to finish off the program, including a keynote speaker, networking with industry professionals, and refreshments. |