I didn’t always have a clear path into the real estate industry. In fact, my journey started with an opportunity that completely changed my direction. I had the chance to go to university through the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors bursary, which I gained through the Pathway to Property summer school in Reading. That was my first real step into the field, and looking back now, it set the foundation for everything that followed.

Once I started university, I made a conscious decision to make the most of every opportunity available to me. My course wasn’t just about lectures and exams; it opened doors. I had the chance to visit sites, learn from guest speakers coming from a wide range of companies, and even visit firms like GSK and Foxtons. These experiences helped bring everything I was learning to life. Alongside that, my studies covered a broad mix of modules, from sustainability and valuations to building technology and accounting. It gave me a well-rounded understanding of the industry and helped me figure out where my interests lie.

Outside of my studies, I knew I had to go a step further. I attended insight days and took part in work experience opportunities that I found through networking. Events like LREF and Proptech Connect played a big role in this. At first, walking into those spaces felt intimidating, especially as someone who naturally leans more towards being shy. But over time, I started to realise that everyone is there to learn, connect, and grow in their own way. Those experiences allowed me to build a network and gain real insight into the industry within just two years.

One thing I’ve always tried to do is say yes to opportunities, whether they seemed big or small. Every experience added something, whether it was a new skill, a new connection, or simply more confidence. I constantly challenged myself, even when it felt uncomfortable, and that made a huge difference in how I developed both personally and professionally.

When it came to applying for the Undergraduate of the Year Award, my mindset was simple: there was nothing to lose. The worst-case scenario was that I wouldn’t progress to the next stage. But I believed in myself and in everything I had worked towards. After making the most of the opportunities around me, I felt I had something worth putting forward.

With encouragement from lecturers, mentors, and people in my network, I applied. Reaching the interview stage was a big moment for me. I hadn’t had much interview experience before, so it felt daunting. But once I was in that space, I focused on being myself and showing what I had learned, what I cared about, and why I felt I deserved to be there. That mindset helped me push through the nerves.

Being selected as a finalist was something I never expected. To be one of ten people in that position is something I’m genuinely proud of. It’s not just about the outcome; it’s about everything that led up to it. Taking that initial step, backing myself, and not overthinking the process is what got me there. That’s something I’ll always carry with me.

If there’s one thing I would say to other students or recent graduates, it’s this: put yourself out there, even if it feels uncomfortable. I know how difficult that can be, especially if you’re naturally shy like I am. But stepping outside your comfort zone is where the growth happens. The opportunities, the connections, the confidence; you don’t gain those by staying in the background.

You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to stand out, but you do have to show up. Whether it’s attending an event, applying for an opportunity, or simply starting a conversation, those small steps build over time. And to stand out in any field, you need to be willing to challenge yourself and keep improving.

Looking back, I’m grateful for every experience, every risk I took, and every moment that pushed me to grow. None of it was perfect, and a lot of it felt uncertain at the time. But that’s part of the process. If you take anything from my journey, let it be this: don’t wait until you feel ready—just go for it.

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Congratulations to Ameera for this fantastic achievement! And thank you for writing this article.

Ameera is one of our BSc Real Estate students. A fun fact about her is that she learned how to speak Tamil from listening to her parents speak it and from movies, but she does not know how to read or write it.

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