Interview: Isabelle Brouwers about her internship at Resi

With a bachelor’s degree under her belt and a few months to go before starting her master’s, Isabelle Brouwers knew exactly what she wanted to do: a valuable internship. Having completed a broad-based degree in Economics & Business Economics, she found her way into real estate. With a master’s in Real Estate Finance on the horizon, there was no doubt in Isabelle’s mind that she wanted her internship to be in the real estate sector.

For six months, Isabelle has been working four days a week at Resi. The main objective of her internship is to be involved in the day-to-day business and experience a transaction from start to finish. Beyond that, she began her internship with an open mind. “I mostly wanted to learn what it’s like to work in an office environment. I didn’t have any specific expectations in terms of content when I started.”

“I truly feel like part of the team”

Her advice to future interns? “Don’t be put off by what you don’t know yet, and look for a company where you feel comfortable.” Isabelle found exactly that, right from the start. “I genuinely feel like a member of the team here,” she explains. “Something I really appreciated was how approachable everyone was. There’s a relaxed and informal atmosphere, which really helps when you’re just starting out. I was expecting a slightly stiff, formal setting, but it turned out to be the complete opposite. Everyone’s friendly and down-to-earth, which made getting started so much easier.”

Her colleagues also made a real effort to welcome her and help her settle in. “In my first week, I had one-on-one coffees with everyone to get to know them. That really helped build create a positive dynamic, which made it easier to collaborate and ask questions later on.”

A wide variety of tasks

Isabelle’s typical workday begins by checking her emails to see if anything requires immediate attention. She then usually consults with her internship supervisor or another colleague to prioritise tasks and see where she can assist. In addition, she works on larger, longer-term projects. “That forms the backbone of my day and creates an interesting mix of activities.”

One of her responsibilities includes setting up sales websites, ensuring that all relevant information is clearly presented for investors. She also helps organise data for potential buyers and takes part in client meetings and property viewings. During these meetings, she explains her role in the project and answers any questions. Ahead of these appointments, Isabelle handles client communication herself.

“I’d definitely recommend this internship”

When asked whether her studies prepared her for this kind of work, Isabelle replies: “This was all completely new to me. At the beginning, I felt like I had to ask questions about every little detail. That was a bit daunting, but I never felt uncomfortable.” And that, for Isabelle, is precisely what made the internship so educational and worthwhile. “The team is small and young, so you really get to see the whole process. You’re given real responsibilities from the start and get to work on big projects.” She concludes, “It’s an environment where you can truly grow. I’d absolutely recommend this internship.”