The 31st edition of the Real Estate Career Day, held last Friday, marked yet another year of success, being the Netherlands’ most anticipated student-industry event in the built environment. With the central theme “Real Estate Roadblocks: from challenge to opportunity”, this year’s edition brought together many students from diverse educational backgrounds and study phases. The day was designed to explore how today’s complex challenges in the sector can be transformed into innovation and long-term value creation.
The day kicked off with a powerful panel discussion that set the tone for the rest of the event. Moderated by Annelou de Groot, CEO and Executive Partner at Cushman & Wakefield, the session featured a diverse and experienced group of panelists: Tia van Beek (Principal Asset Management), Paul Rutte (Enterprise Land), Bahar Akbarian (Boelens de Gruyter), and Renée van der Zwan (Deloitte). Together, they discussed the pressing roadblocks faced by the real estate sector and their roles within it. The discussion was dynamic and interactive, with space for student questions, real-world examples, and an inside look at what it means to lead in today’s built environment.
Following the panel, students broke out into smaller groups to attend the first of two company cases. These case studies were carefully matched to each participant based on their submitted preferences, ensuring a personalized and engaging learning experience. Companies presented students with problems they are facing, encouraging participants to collaborate, ask questions, and propose solutions, simulating the type of thinking and teamwork expected in professional practice. A well-deserved lunch break followed.
After lunch, participants had their second company case. This round introduced students to a new topic and organization, expanding their exposure to the diversity of the sector. Each session began with an introduction to the company’s core activities and its role within the built environment, providing students with valuable context before diving into the case at hand.
In the afternoon, a coffee break offered space for casual conversation and networking before one-on-one talks and company interactions began. These sessions gave students the chance to speak directly with company representatives, ask questions about internships and career paths, and receive tailored advice. Whether students were seeking insights into consultancy, development, investment, or public-sector roles, the 1-on-1 format created a highly valuable space for meaningful exchange.
The day concluded with the lively business market and traditional borrel. This informal end-of-day gathering allowed students and professionals to mingle in a relaxed setting, reflecting on the day's insights and building relationships that may shape future careers. The atmosphere was celebratory, marking not just the end of a successful event, but the strengthening of a professional community committed to building better cities, systems, and strategies.