Name: Abiola Ogunsami
Title: Graduate development manager, Muse
What I do: My focus is on developing the Muse Academy which was established in 2023 and is designed to create more opportunities for young people within the placemaking and regeneration industry. Alongside this I am also supporting on the delivery of a pipeline of major regeneration projects across the North West, including Salford Central and the landmark regeneration of St Helens town centre.
Why I got into the property industry: I must give a lot of credit to my architect sister. Initially, I was considering an alternative path in accountancy and finance. However, after I was given the opportunity to do some work experience with Regeneration Brainery due to her support, my interest shifted. Through this initial experience I was able to learn more about the sector and its opportunities, as well as meet some of the excellent and experienced people who have worked within it for many years.
How I did it: Alongside my studies, I have been a volunteer ambassador and mentor at Regeneration Brainery since 2021. Regeneration Brainery is an academy which inspires young people aged 14-21 to kickstart a career in property and regeneration. During this time, I had the opportunity to represent the academy on panel events at industry conferences such as UKREiiF and MIPIM, host presentations and Q&A sessions at schools and colleges, and network with industry professionals. This included meeting members of the team from Muse. Following this, I met familiar faces again as part of an early community consultation for the Wythenshawe Civic Regeneration, where I was invited by the Muse team to reach out and apply for a role.
My first proper job: My first proper job was at Manchester City Football Club where I worked as part of the hospitality team. This was a great experience and a job where I was able to develop a wide range of core skills that I have taken forward with me in my career.
My first big break: For me this was attending MIPIM. The conference is one of the biggest and most prestigious sector events, so to have been given the opportunity to attend at such an early point in my career was a real privilege.
My inspiration(s): My sister, Pelumi. She initially introduced me to the industry through Regeneration Brainery and has helped me build a passion and love not only for beautiful buildings, but the positive impact that regeneration can have on communities.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: I was among those people who were unfortunate enough to attend university predominantly through Covid! This was not only an unusual experience, but a challenging one too, where we had to learn and engage entirely virtually.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Last month, I had the opportunity to speak at my universities’ business school graduation. This was an extremely proud moment where I had the privilege of speaking to graduating students about my career to date.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it is inaccessible or difficult to get into. From my experience speaking at various conferences and schools, I have found that young people are sometimes unaware of the wide range of roles in the sector, as well as the various avenues to get into them.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: It’s the advertisement of the wide range of excellent career paths in the industry and the various routes. We should be shouting more about these!
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: This is very important to me. At Muse we are focused on delivering transformative regeneration across the country. It’s therefore important that we have a diverse culture within the business where every colleague feels valued and listened to. It is also important from an external perspective, with a need to understand the views and perspective of those in the communities where we are delivering projects.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: We have daily conversations on this topic. Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest test we face, and as an industry we must do our part to meet climate change targets. It is also an opportunity for us to demonstrate our strengths, with innovative strategies and fresh approaches which can help us push towards a greener, brighter, future for all. I’m proud to be playing my part towards this.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: A qualified chartered surveyor specialising in development management or project management.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: My grandparents.
What I do in my downtime: I enjoy bouldering, going to the gym, gaming and reading.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Professional basketball player or an Olympic powerlifter!
My advice for someone just starting out: Be bold. Say yes to opportunities, and don’t try to think too much about it. Approach your work with an eagerness to learn and ask as many questions as you can to those with experience. They can provide you with a lot of useful knowledge and guidance.
My motto/mantra: Say yes to every opportunity and figure it out later (within reason!)
