I didn’t always plan on going into real estate but once I was properly introduced to it, everything started to fall into place. I’ve always been someone who notices spaces, how different places feel and why some areas are busy and others aren’t. Although, I never really connected that to a career until Year 12.

That’s when I attended the Pathways to Property Summer School. It was my first real insight into the industry and it changed how I saw things. We worked in groups on a development project and presented it at the end of the week. My group won Best Presentation which was a great moment! I realised I enjoyed thinking through real scenarios, working with others, and presenting ideas in a way that actually made sense. It made real estate feel like something I could genuinely see myself doing.

Around the same time, I did work experience with Oxford Properties, which took that initial interest a lot further. This was where I started to understand the bigger picture, especially within commercial real estate. I was exposed to the investment side, sat in on discussions and went on site visits. What stood out to me was how much thought goes into decisions, it’s not just about what a building is now, but what it could be in the future and I really enjoyed the process that goes behind creating a building. That mix of strategy and long term thinking is what really drew me in, it’s what made me realise that commercial real estate is the direction I want to go in. I want to create buildings that benefit communities and help people gain cultural capital by making sure everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of where they live.

Not long after, when I was in Year 13, I attended the RICS International Women’s Day event by myself which was nerve wracking but I met so many inspiring people. I already knew the industry is often seen as male dominated, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But being in a space full of successful women in real estate was genuinely motivating. Everyone I heard from had taken a different route and it made the industry feel a lot more open and realistic. It also made me more confident in seeing myself in that environment.

Following on from the summer school, I was awarded the WCCS bursary which I’m genuinely grateful for because it opened further opportunities for me. Through that, I completed work experience with my sponsor company, GMS Estates. This experience felt very different to Oxford Properties. It was much more focused on the day to day side of real estate and seeing how properties are managed and how situations are handled in real time. It helped me understand that while strategy is important, it’s the practical side that keeps everything running. Seeing both sides of the industry has been one of the most valuable parts of my journey so far.

Outside of everything, I enjoy reading and travelling. Travelling especially has made me more aware of how different places are designed and how people interact with them. Now I find myself noticing things I wouldn’t have before like how areas are laid out, what makes somewhere feel busy and it naturally links back to my interest in real estate.

Applying for the Undergraduate of the Year award for Built Environment and Social Mobility was another opportunity I wanted to take seriously. I approached the process properly, especially the interview stage and focused on presenting myself in the best way I could. Being nominated is something I’m proud of, and it reflects the effort I’ve put into gaining experience and making the most of the opportunities I’ve had.

If I had to give advice to other students it would be simple, take the opportunity! You don’t need to overthink it or wait until you feel completely ready. A lot of what has shaped my journey so far has come from just putting myself forward and seeing what happens.

Looking back, everything has connected in a way I didn’t fully expect at the start. One opportunity led to another and over time it’s helped me build a clear direction for myself. I’m still at the beginning of my journey, but I know what I’m working towards now and that’s what matters.

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

Marigona is one of our BSc Real Estate students. A fun fact about her is that she enjoys exploring new places and picking up on the details that make them stand out.

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