The first day of the rest of my life!

It’s the calm after the storm. My first day at my internship with Jones Lang LaSalle was wild to say the least. I arrived at the office to find out that we were a week out from a huge event and there was much to be done. But before I get into that, some context, who exactly do I work for? I was told that Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) are a financial and professional services firm specialising in commercial real estate services and investment management.

In my case specifically, they are engaged by ISPT one of Australia’s 'largest unlisted property fund managers, who invest in property, with the objective of providing a sound return on investment'. Thus they create office and retail spaces that are maintained at optimal operating standards. My role was within the Retail team who specialise in Retail Property and deliver management services at enex100 and Forrest Chase.

So week one, day one, that’s explained to me. I had no comprehension of what I’d just been told and thought… who on earth am I working for? Immediately I thought I was in way over my head. As daunting as that first experience was I got stuck in.

My first task was to create a memorandum to be distributed to all retailers within enex100 reminding them that our event, the ‘Inspire Shopping Party’ was fast approaching, what that meant for them and what they needed to do. At first I thought I couldn’t do it, nervous that it was going to take me a while, that it wouldn’t be up to standard but I started drafting straight away. When my final draft was proofed by my manager I was surprised to hear really positive feedback – a confidence boost that I feel was definitely needed. I then walked around the centre meeting the owners or managers of each tenancy and verbally communicated the memorandum as well as giving them the written copy. After I had met a few people I was on a roll and found the whole experience really rewarding.

Little did I know… the tasks were going to get a lot harder, fast. However the day was actually a perfect way to break into the corporate world. It showed me that whilst these new experiences were daunting and pushed me it is the best way to learn and grow as a young professional. I couldn’t wait for what else my internship had in store for me.

Francesca