Bricks & Mortar: DWS’s head of UK, Jessica Hardman, discusses her journey in real estate
Aug 30, 2023
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Jessica Hardman, Head of UK at DWS, discusses her journey in real estate including her interest in the sector, education choices, and career in investment management. She also talks about the diverse nature of real estate roles, importance of collaboration, principles of leadership, diversity initiatives, and career acceleration. Additionally, she shares valuable advice for those considering a career in real estate.
Jessica's interest in real estate was sparked by her father's work and her fascination with tall high-rise buildings.
Jessica pursued a diverse range of roles within the real estate industry and found satisfaction in strategic thinking and project management.
Deep dives
Jessica Harbman's interest in real estate sparked by family background and inspiration from tall buildings
Jessica Harbman shares that her interest in pursuing a career in real estate was initially sparked by her father's work in a small-scale residential development company and her fascination with tall high-rise buildings during school trips. This led her to contemplate working in the real estate industry and exploring various professional roles within it.
Jessica Harbman's journey into the real estate industry through formal studies and early career experiences
Jessica Harbman pursued a Bachelor's of Science degree in real estate management at Oxford University. While there was limited career information about becoming a surveyor, she believed in her skillset and explored different departments connected to real estate during her studies. After qualifying as a chartered surveyor, she gained experience in retail leasing, valuation, fund management, and landlord and tenant law before specializing in investment brokerage in central London.
Jessica Harbman's role as Head of UK Operations for DWS and her passion for strategic thinking, travel, and project management
Jessica Harbman holds a dual role at DWS, overseeing European portfolio management for real estate and heading up the office for the UK. She finds satisfaction in strategic thinking, creating medium-term plans, and executing them. She also enjoys extensive global travel, which began with her focus on the Asian investor market. Additionally, she highlights her affinity for project management and the collaborative nature of the real estate industry.
In this special edition of Bricks & Mortar, EG’s Sarah Jackman speaks to DWS’s head of UK, Jessica Hardman, as part of EG’s new Starting out in real estate publication.
Jessica assumed the head of UK role in June 2023 following a career in real estate investment management, most recently as DWS’s head of European portfolio management and head of UK real estate group – a role that she retains.
The pair discuss her journey into real estate and how her career has evolved since, including what first ignited her interest in the sector, the education and professional choices she made to support a career in it and how those choices led her to a career in investment management. She reflects on how her career has evolved since, the things that are important to her as a leader, as well as sharing plenty of advice for those considering a career in real estate.
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