We’re always on the lookout for up-and coming talent and skills and career development are two of our key focuses. For the past year, we’ve had the pleasure of working with not one, but two Nottingham Trent University undergraduates, Arun Mann, a construction development student, and Rhea Raizada, a property finance and investment student, teaching them everything they need to know about the world of logistics property.

As their time with us draws to a close, we sat down with the pair to discuss life as Prologis interns…

So, what made you choose Prologis for your internships?

“I’d always known I wanted to work in property; it’s a sector that will always be in high demand, so that alone made my decision easier,” explained Rhea. “Being from the Midlands, Prologis is a name that I was already aware of. It was a no brainer for me to apply, and honestly, it was the only placement I was interested in. I had my heart set on it!

“Whilst I’m also interested in the agency side of the market, I knew I wanted to explore working with developers too. In such an in demand sector, I knew I’d have a great time in the role, and I was right!”

For Arun, it was the Prologis name that drew him in: “When looking at the presence Prologis has in the market, again it was an obvious choice. Working in the Development Management team, I’ve had the best group of mentors, and even before I started, I had an inkling that would be the case. That feeling has been proven right countless times.

“The sheer number of buildings and developments Prologis has; I’ve been spoilt for choice this past year. As soon as I joined, I realised that almost everywhere you go, Prologis is there!”

Can you tell us a little more about your roles day to day?

Working in Capital Deployment and Leasing. Rhea has been close to several projects, including Hams Hall and Ryton:

“From attending marketing meetings, to helping consult on Beddington Lane in Croydon, I’ve been involved in the entire letting process and watched first-hand how these deals are made. The feeling when the leasing process is complete is just incredible, and I’ve felt so proud to be a part of it.

“Even down to smaller things, like creating and issuing monthly marketing emails, which highlights all our available units and gets sent to all our customers and agents, has been really fulfilling.”

At the other end of the spectrum, Arun’s forte has been on construction and planning.

“If Rhea and I were to work together again, she would make the deals, and I would bring them to life. At the start, I was mainly shadowing meetings and being on site, which was where most of my learning happened. You can’t beat being on site; there is so much to learn, it really is a hands-on job.

“As my knowledge grew, I started going on site by myself, writing site reports, getting construction updates, alternating between DIRFT and Hams Hall, and I’ve been able to lead planning meetings. All these things have allowed me to be independent and are a testament to Prologis putting trust in people and letting them get hands on from day one.”

What surprised you about the role and the logistics industry generally?

Reflecting on the industry, Rhea explained that the size of the market and its speed of growth took her by surprise: “The increase of ecommerce over the past few years has made the market skyrocket, which has been great for people in property. The past year has been nonstop for my team; we’re building new units all the time, always networking, so it’s been a great year.”

For Arun, the knowledge gained from a firsthand experience was the biggest learning curve: “What struck me was how much you learn on the job, as opposed to being taught about it. It’s one thing being told something, and it’s another seeing it for yourself.

“I was a fool to think that logistics property is just warehouses. There’s so much more than meets the eye, and the amount of teamwork and communication that goes into getting a project over the line is phenomenal. Prologis does it so often, it’s like clockwork. Whilst there are so many different issues that can crop up, Prologis somehow makes it look easy.”

What’s been the biggest lesson from your internships?

“Just seeing the process unfold has been massively educational and, as Arun said, there are so many working parts, it’s hard to imagine until you see it for yourself. With us both returning to university in September, it will be great to put all our knowledge into practice and should really put us at an advantage going forward.”

“I agree,” explained Arun. “The scale of operations and the level of planning involved made me stop and think. Prologis might build a warehouse, but the land could have been bought five, ten years ago. Plans are made so far into the future, and you wouldn’t realise until it becomes your day job!”

However, it hasn’t just been work, work, work; the personal development both Rhea and Arun have experienced is what’s had the greatest impact: “Outside of the job itself, I think the life skills learnt – routine, organisation – have really hit home, especially transitioning from students, to working professionals! It’s made us both realise that it is a lot easier to be on top of things than we once thought, and when we go back to university, it should be a piece of cake,” Arun explained.

“For me, this internship has really allowed me to develop as a person,” Rhea added. “Before my placement I was so shy and struggled opening up to people, but now, going to networking events and making contacts has become second nature. The personal growth I’ve gone through has been amazing.”

What projects have stood out to you this past year?

“Hams Hall and DIRFT have been two projects that I’ve been very close to,” said Arun, “but it’s not just the project, it’s the camaraderie and energy on site. I’ve been able to spend time with the site managers, and those relationships have helped me secure my next internship with VolkerFitzpatrick over the summer that’ll give me a different perspective on the running of a site.”

For Rhea, it’s been Beddington Lane that won her over: “When DC1 got leased out, it was such a great feeling. Meeting potential customers, attending inspections, going through legal – the whole process has been such an experience, and I felt a huge weight off my shoulders when the deal was complete!

“Similar to Arun, I’ve also secured my next internship in the Operational Real Estate team at CBRE over the summer, which again, wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for Prologis.”

What would you say to prospective interns?

“Do it, 100%,” said Rhea, “don’t be afraid to get stuck in with everything and make the most of the opportunities in front of you. Speak to everyone and take it in your stride. If you get the chance, go for it! I’d recommend Prologis to anyone interested in a career in property or logistics.”

Interested in what an internship at Prologis could look like for you? Find out more here.