Every year, we recruit two interns from Nottingham Trent University who spend their year in industry placement with us. This year, despite the challenges presented by a global pandemic, we’re delighted we can still welcome two new interns to the Prologis UK family and we’re looking forward to getting to know them – so much so that we asked them a few questions about themselves and what they hope to obtain from their placements with us.
Paul Essandoh
Paul is a BSc Construction Management student at Nottingham Trent University who , in his own words, ‘resides in the beautiful Robin Hood city of Nottingham’. Paul considers himself a ‘forever student’ eager to both build on his academic foundations in construction management and health and safety and maintain an awareness of the latest construction methods through continued learning and professional development. He is also fueled by his passion for understanding sustainability and health and safety in the construction industry. Paul holds a NEBOSH General Certificate in Health and Safety at the workplace and will spend his placement year working with our Project Management Team. Paul achieved a first class in his second year of university.
Lauren Wood
Lauren is currently studying for a degree in Property Finance and Investment at Nottingham Trent University and achieved a 2:1 in her second year, which she is very happy with despite the current circumstances and having her last term at university cut short. Lauren lives close to Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford upon Avon and is keen to build an overall awareness and understanding of the industrial logistics sector during her time with us. Lauren will spend her placement year working with our Leasing and Development Team.
Q: What do you hope to achieve from your internship?
Lauren: Currently, I’m unsure which field of real estate I wish to focus on in the future so I’m hoping that my year with Prologis will help me with this decision-making process. I’m also keen to understand the development process and learn from a team of industry professionals. Gaining that first-hand knowledge will be invaluable for my future career.
Paul: I hopes this internship allows me to explore a career path, build professional relationships, develop new skills, and gain confidence. I also hope this placement gives me the opportunity to interact with and learn from experienced professionals at Prologis who each have a distinctive perspective of the construction industry to share and who are dedicated to performing at the highest level.
Q: How does it feel to be starting your internship during a global pandemic?
Paul: Initially, the thought of starting an internship during a global pandemic led to heightened anxiety and uncertainty of what this new experience would be like; especially knowing that most companies are functioning almost completely remotely. However, the right mindset and willingness to adapt to the rapidly evolving workplace helped me overcome the anxieties I experienced prior to starting the internship. Daily supervisory check ins (sometimes virtually) during these first few weeks has greatly helped establish relationships and has been a good platform to ask questions during these uncertain times.
Lauren: Whilst it has been very strange starting work during this pandemic, I feel as though I am still gaining valuable knowledge and insight into the industry. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, I absolutely love working at Prologis already. I live in a little village not far from Stratford Upon Avon. Before I started my placement I spent most of my weekends and evenings working at my local village pub which I thoroughly enjoy. I believe that working at my local pub for the last 4/5 years has given me the confidence and people skills that will hopefully help me do well during this year as well as a genuine interest in the industry.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests?
Paul: I enjoy volunteering and doing charity work and because I like keeping my commercial awareness up to date, I follow the current construction industry news. I also like to keep fit through walking and going to the gym.
Lauren: My main hobbies include working out and going to the gym. I am very enthusiastic when it comes to keeping fit as it gives me motivation and a drive to do well. Working out puts me in a brilliant mind set and makes me very positive. Lockdown has meant that I have taken up running which I have really enjoyed.