When Old Boy, Lennox Jones - Class of 2020, walked across the stage to receive his undergraduate conjoint degree in Commerce and Property, he wasn’t just graduating — he was stepping into new territory for his family. As one of the first in his immediate family to graduate from university, the moment marked more than personal achievement. “It’s great to have my family here to celebrate with, as they’ve supported me the whole way.”
This university journey was also supported by the Staples Education Foundation (SEF) Scholarship, which he describes as a turning point in both his education and career.
Support That Went Beyond Study
The SEF Scholarship wasn’t just about financial support. It offered him mentoring, work experience, and the chance to meet professionals working in the industries he wanted to join. “It covered a big part of my university costs, helped with course equipment, and removed the pressure of taking on debt,” he explained. The Staples Education Foundation team also connected him to people who helped shape his next steps. Lennox: “It gave me chances to meet others in the field and gain advice from people with real and relevant experience.”
A Mentor Who Made a Difference
One of the most valuable parts of the scholarship was having a mentor, Kim Hughes. “He’s been there since the beginning — helping with advice, opening doors, and supporting me at every step,” he said. Through his mentor, he was able to complete work experience at his property development firm. “I got a great insight into how the property industry works which gave me a clearer idea of what I wanted to do.”
Finding a Career Path
Lennox’s interest in economics led him initially to pursue a Commerce degree. But it was a conversation with his uncle, who had moved from finance into the property sector, that sparked an interest in property development and for him to add Property papers to his studies. “That was the first time I thought seriously about working in property.” In 2023, mid-way through his degree, he had the opportunity of a yearlong internship with the Dilworth Trust’s property team, linking his school background with his growing career interests. “It was a good way to connect the dots — from where I studied to what I might do long-term.”
It is a testament to Lennox that he has remained in contact with Dilworth’s Property Team, continuing to access advice and seeking work connections over the past couple of years. On the day of his graduation and keen to share his success with those who have helped him along the way, he asked the Dilworth Property team to join him in a group photo and introduced them all to his family members, who were in Auckland to watch the formal graduation ceremony.
Finding Inspiration
When asked what inspired him to do well at school, Lennox stated: “My family. I wanted to make them proud by making the most of my scholarship. My uncle was always ready with guidance and honest advice too”. He also notes something that stayed with him was Dilworth Headmaster’s focus on achieving personal excellence. “Mr Reddiex encouraged us to give our best in everything, not just in class.”
Advice to Future SEF Scholars
For any student about to receive the Staples Education Foundation Scholarship, Lennox has clear advice: “Take every opportunity. Don’t just stick with the same people. Talk to others, ask questions and be open to learning new things.” He believes that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected chances. “You don’t always know where a conversation might lead. But you won’t find out unless you have it.”
Looking Ahead
With his Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Property conjoint degree in hand and a lot of varied work experience under his belt, Lennox is now stepping into the next stage of life—more prepared because of the people and opportunities that helped him along the way.
With a solid education behind him and bringing his friendly, positive and ‘can-do’ attitude to interviews, it didn’t take long for Lennox to find a good job, even in these tough economic times. He has just accepted a fantastic role as a Property Coordinator for Goodman Property Trust, and will be working closely with the Property Management team, as that is where he is looking to move into as an Assistant Property Manager in the future. He says “it feels surreal to finally be moving into full-time work and I’m incredibly excited and keen to get involved in everything and learn as much as I can, from one of New Zealand’s biggest property owner, manager and developer”.
His story shows how the right support can open doors, and with the combination of education, belief and ambition, dreams can happen. For future Dilworth students and SEF recipients, it’s a reminder that where you start doesn’t define where you can go.