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Today we speak with Alejandra San José, who joined URW through our International Graduate Program before joining a full-time role with the Investment Management team in Madrid.
“After finishing my economics degree, I had no idea where to start my career,” says Alejandra San José. “I joined Amazon to learn more about e-commerce, which took me to live in Germany and the north of Spain. It was interesting but, after two years, I felt it was time to go back to university, so I took a master’s in corporate finance. When I graduated, I was applying for positions at banks when a friend suggested URW’s International Graduate Program.”
The IGP is a one-year placement that gives recent graduates experience across three URW departments, including one international assignment. It’s designed to immerse newcomers in the commercial real estate industry and allow them to try different roles so they can get to know our Group.
“It appealed to me instantly,” says Alejandra. “I knew nothing about real estate, so it was a perfect way to learn, while gaining visibility with different URW teams. I started in 2023 in Speciality Leasing, which oversees kiosks, popups and the common spaces in our shopping centres. The team were the best: they made it easy to learn and were hugely supportive.”
Next came a mission in Asset Management in Spain, overseeing Westfield Parquesur, Westfield Maquinista and Westfield Glòries. “That required a totally different mindset, but I loved it because every day was different. My third mission was in Paris in the Corporate Asset Management & Development Team, which was a great way to finish my IGP as it deepened my understanding of the company’s global strategy and long-term ambitions.”
A culture of collaboration and trust
From there, Alejandra took on her fulltime position in Asset Management as an Analyst, responsible for Westfield Parquesur. “A typical day could involve supporting lease negotiations, planning development projects, working on the technical specifications of a new extension or even talking to investors. I really do learn new things every day.”
To succeed in the role, Alejandra says you need an analytical mindset, good decision-making skills, teamwork and a flair for negotiation. The best part of the job? Seeing the impact of all the effort and commitment. “I tell my family that when they go to the centre and see a new store or activation, I helped make that happen! It’s very tangible – you get to see the real impact of your work.”
Learning through doing
Throughout her time at URW, Alejandra says she has been given opportunities to try new things and discover what’s right for her. “URW’s environment pushes you to own your work and be proactive,” she says. “It fosters confidence and initiative – which are essential, both professionally and personally. But most of all it allows you to explore different areas and to find out what you really enjoy.”
Alejandra's key takeaways
What advice would you give to someone starting their career at URW?
Alejandra: Be open to any opportunity the company presents. URW truly wants you to enjoy the best professional development and will try to place you where you can add the most value.
Who is the IGP designed for?
Alejandra: It’s really for any recent graduates, even those who do not have any background or experience in real estate. There are many different roles to explore at URW that it’s a great way test your strengths and decide what sort of job you want to take.
Sum up the IGP experience in one word…
Alejandra: Ownership – if you’re someone who likes to be proactive and plot your own course, this is for you. You are given huge opportunities and it’s up to you how you use your time to make an impact.
