Name: Gemernelle Swaby – people call me Gem
Title: business and communication officer
What I do: I work for the Office of Government Property (OGP) in the property profession team as a business and communication officer. We are responsible for delivering high-quality services to departments and developing new initiatives to build capability and attract and retain diverse talent across the government property profession. I help support my team with business administration, everything from diary management and finance to assisting recruitment campaigns, organising logistics for events and facilitating board meetings. I am also part of the comms team, where I write comms strategies/social media posts and work closely with the head of strategic communications.
What I was doing before I got into property: Before my role in OGP, I worked as a technical assessor at an electrical distribution network operating company for three years. Before that, while studying fashion marketing at uni, I also worked in retail while working part-time at internships for creative start-up companies. My last role was at Universal Music at Abbey Road Studios as their retail supervisor.
Why I made the switch: I decided at about 26 that the fashion and music industries were not for me. I wasn’t getting many opportunities and it was eating at my confidence. I decided to keep fashion and music as personal passions and started looking at more office based/administration roles. There’s a difference between a job and a career; I always wanted a career. After three years of Covid, I realised that electrical distribution was not for me either and there was no progression in the company I was working for.
The catalyst: During Covid, I had a wake-up call, especially as I was approaching 30. I needed to decide what I wanted to do and the industry I wanted to go into that would provide opportunities and security. As I was applying, I saw an opportunity at the Cabinet Office. They were looking to take on apprentices in business administration. This was a perfect entry-level opportunity in a new sector where I could learn new skills and knowledge while qualifying.
What attracted me to the apprenticeship: They were looking for people from all sorts of backgrounds and any age who wanted a career change. When my application was successful, they placed me into the property profession team in OGP as a business and communication officer, which has opened a whole new world for me and given me my start in the property industry.
My first impressions of the industry: It was: “Oh, this is not an episode of Selling Sunset, and there’s so much more to property than selling houses.”
My inspiration: As cheesy as it sounds, all the ‘nos’ I’ve received over the years. I remember how they used to eat at my confidence, but now I use them as ammunition to do the best I can!
The most important lesson I’ve learned so far: As ‘Expect to Win’ author Carla Harris says: ‘Your most essential currencies at work are your relationships and your performance.’ Relationships are so important. I was useless at networking and quite shy at talking to people. Now, I understand the value of building relationships and meeting new people.
Why I love my job: I love my job because I can work across my team and be involved in many different projects, from organising events that bring property leaders in government together to helping my colleagues with Property Fast Stream events supporting our Fast Streamers along their journey. I wear many hats, which can sometimes be challenging, but I like the variation. No two days are ever the same.
What I’d like to see change in the industry: I want to see more information for young people and young adults like myself about the wide range of professions you can do within property. If it weren’t for this apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have known. I’d like to see this information made more accessible for people from all walks of life and to see the industry become more diverse.
What it’s like to be the only black person in my department: At first, I felt slight imposter syndrome, but I think it was more because I was working in a whole new sector and environment than about my race. I have always worked with people from different backgrounds and can easily find common ground with people. But now I have realised everything that makes me different from others is what makes me great! I use my differences to my advantage to stand out.
How I stand out: When I attend networking events by myself to work on my confidence, I make sure my outfits are unique but professional. Fashion is how I express myself; even though I work in property, what I wear doesn’t have to be boring. I might wear cowboy boots matched with a black blazer, for example. My fashion choices are great conversation starters.
My support network: I work with a fantastic team who have always been very supportive from the very start. I have always been very open about my journey, and my team has done nothing but encourage me. I have also joined forums and groups at work and have mentors who provide a safe space where I can discuss my career.
My short-term career goals: I always try to keep to three goals, as it gets too complicated after that: pass my apprenticeship with flying colours; become a communications officer within the property profession team; and get involved in more D&I projects.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Mike Tyson, Robert De Niro, DJ D-Nice, Toni Braxton and Mary and Giles from GoggleBox.
What I do in my downtime: I like to listen to podcasts, read a good book and attend concerts and gigs – the last one I went to was PJ Morton.
My guilty pleasure: Watching an episode of TOWIE (shhh). The original cast was way better.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: A florist. I love flowers and buy fresh flowers every Friday.
My advice to someone just starting out: Take every opportunity given to you. Even if you’re scared, do it afraid. It shows what you are made of. Make yourself valuable to your team/department and do the jobs no one else wants to. Shadow team members so you can learn and understand every aspect of the business. BE A SPONGE!!!
My motto/mantra: All in divine time.
