Name: Katarina Szinekova
Title: Associate director at Savills
What I do: I value healthcare and senior housing assets. They are both what is known as operational real estate and require specialist valuations.
Why I got into the property industry: I have always had a practical mind and wanted a career that will provide long term growth, variety and security. Property was an obvious choice.
How I did it: I enrolled to a property degree in London followed by a masters in surveying in Reading. The latter I completed while I was working full time which was challenging, but my hard work paid off, as I achieved distinction.
My first proper job: Customer service assistant for a tour company at Heathrow.
My first big break: My career unfolded gradually and one opportunity lead to the next. I initially started in property management, however as I did not have any valuation experience which is necessary for the APC, I applied for a healthcare valuer role. Later on I moved to the hotel team within the same company, which led me to a hotel valuation role in Germany. My experience in trade related properties was helpful for senior housing valuations which enabled me to take on this amazing role at Savills.
My inspiration(s): Woman who achieve great professional success whilst often juggling motherhood and other duties.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Relocating to Germany and being part of a new culture, company and way of working was challenging both professionally and personally. I was promoted after a year, passed my APC whilst there, and made new friends all without speaking the language.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Professionally, passing my APC. It is hard work to study and prepare for the assessment whilst working full time.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: People tend to think it is only bricks and mortar, but there are so many career pathways, asset classes and roles you can be involved in whilst working with people from all sorts of backgrounds.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: I think it’s a sector that sometimes can be slow to change in terms of diversity, technology or culture.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: A diverse and inclusive an environment provides different perspectives, unique solutions and new ways to collaborate and succeed.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: We all have to do our part for the environment so that future generations can enjoy our planet. We have to act now!
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I would like to be in a senior leadership position and promote the importance of the asset classes I value.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Sissi, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, she was ahead of her time and was an avid traveller who set an example for women to regularly exercise.
What I do in my downtime: I love eating out, functional fitness, reading and hot yoga.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I would work in the creative industries. When I was little I wanted to be a painter and I really enjoy interior design.
My advice for someone just starting out: Be openminded and take on new challenges. The pathway you start your career in may not be where you achieve your biggest success.
My motto/mantra: Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.
