Why I joined Nrep’s investment intern program:
Exploring the world of real estate private equity
– Lotta Laakio, Investment intern, Helsinki (Spring 2024)
Why I applied to the Investment Intern program
I applied to Nrep’s Investment Intern program because I wanted to learn more about the real estate industry and private equity transactions. I am currently in the final stages of my Master’s degree in finance at Turku School of Economic. My previous experience includes internships in strategy consulting and from capital markets internship program as well as summer trainee roles as a treasury administration trainee and as a financial assistant in a corporation and a bank. Even though I was interested in real estate before, I had no practical experience in the field. Hence, industry-specific concepts were initially new to me. But that didn’t matter because I was given a clear introduction to the field and got a lot of support when needed. Prior real estate experience is not mandatory for the internship.
Introduction to the world of real estate private equity
As an intern, I was given a comprehensive introduction to the field of real estate private equity when I started. From the start of my internship, the basic concepts of the industry were explained, and I was shown the distinct aspects of Nrep and Urban Partner. My introduction to different teams within the company was expertly facilitated by colleagues who specialized in those respective areas. I had separate introduction sessions with them, and they explained their work to me from their own point of view which ensured a deep learning curve for me. Moreover, I was always encouraged to ask questions to further deepen my understanding, fostering an environment of continuous learning and intellectual growth. To foster this, we had weekly Q&A sessions at the start of my internship, ensuring that all my questions and curiosities were answered.
Investment team in Finland
Throughout my internship, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of the Investment team here in Finland. This team doesn’t only consist of the transaction professionals but is a dynamic blend of departments that oversee different facets of the investments, including asset management, portfolio management, and development. This diversification fosters a more heterogenous environment, providing a comprehensive perspective on the real estate industry. Engaging with these different teams has broadened my understanding of the field, offering me insights into the multifaceted operations of the industry. Working with people from different backgrounds also has enriched my understanding of the industry.
Final note
Urban Partners and the internship program have a lot to offer, and I really recommend applying. It is a wonderful place to learn about the industry and develop your skills further. Even though I was able to leverage some of my previous experience in my work, there was a lot to learn from the tasks I did as an intern and possibilities to develop professionally. The main task that interns get to do include preparation of internal material regarding investment opportunities, financial modeling of potential investments and other projects and ad hoc task— you can read more about the task from previous blog posts. The opportunity for professional growth at Urban Partners has been complemented by the ability to interact and learn from other professionals in the company. In addition to professional settings, I’ve enjoyed participating in social activities, such as ice bathing and office gatherings such as after works. I’m particularly excited for a group-wide three-day summit in southern Sweden, anticipated to take place later in the internship.