“Imagine you can invest 100 million euros in real estate!”
This was the practical project assignment for students in the bachelor’s programm Real Estate Management. Under the guidance of DI Jenni Wenkel MRICS, Chairwoman of the Board of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in Austria and CIO of Union Investment Real Estate Austria, and DI(FH) Carmen Dilch MSc MRICS, lecturer on the course, the students were asked to draw up an investment recommendation for an institutional investor who would like to invest around EUR 100 million in real estate by the end of 2025.
The task was clear: the students were to act as experts and draw up a well-founded investment recommendation. They had to analyze various asset classes, regions and countries in order to invest the capital optimally. The challenge was not only to find suitable properties, but also to realistically assess the opportunities and risks of the market.
Intensive preparation for professional presentations
In the winter semester 24/25, the students researched and analyzed. They examined current market trends, looked at demographic developments and drew up economic forecasts. This comprehensive analysis formed the basis for their recommendations to Union Investment Austria.
The highlight of the project was the pitch, in which the groups were allowed to present their results. Here they were not only able to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge, but also hone their presentation and argumentation skills. The students had to convincingly explain why certain investments make sense and what challenges need to be considered.
“I am impressed by the professionalism and commitment that the students put into their projects. Their ideas are very well thought out and realistic. It’s great to see that they are ready to tackle the challenges of the real estate market,” says Jenni Wenkel, delighted with the successful project.
Practical projects like this prepare students optimally for the challenges of professional life – a win-win situation for everyone involved!