“I found the Q&A segments of the programme really interesting as it gave that extra, vital knowledge.”
“The data centre section was really insightful as it is a very niche topic that isn't spoken about as much as other areas within real estate. I was really able to learn a lot!”
“The whole programme was wonderful as it is something new I experienced and it opened opportunities for me.”
“I really enjoyed the activities and there were many interesting facts about real estate that I never knew.”
JLL is a global innovator in real estate with a commitment to doing things differently, prioritising sustainability and inclusivity and delivering property management that works to the benefit of all. Meta, the parent company of, among others, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, is an innovator in the metaverse and also a major property owner. The Silicon Valley-based company was a key partner in a programme that was to bridge both the real and virtual worlds.
An organisation of more than 100,000 people globally, JLL aims to display expertise in finding untapped potential.
JLL in collaboration with Meta had aspirations to create a programme that would reduce barriers to entry and inspire students, including those traditionally underrepresented within real estate, to consider future employment within the sector.
There was a hope some participants would ultimately pursue successful careers in real estate having been inspired by their experience. But also that every student should leave with enhanced confidence, regardless of their future endeavours.
The programme had to demonstrate JLL’s position as both a global force in real estate and an organisation committed to sustainability and inclusivity & opportunity for all.
They wanted this to be a fascinating, truly modern programme, including a look at property in the metaverse, and one that could ultimately be used globally after initial cohorts of UK students.
Working in collaboration with two highly innovative organisations enabled us to create an in-depth programme that incorporated unique flourishes.
We were able to create a series of modules that moved from the traditional world of bricks and mortar to the metaverse and blended traditional learning with interactive experiences, including the use of Minecraft.
The first of the eight modules gave an introduction to real estate. The big question - what is real estate? - was answered, but in an engaging way that included some myth debunking. There was a first chance to visit the metaverse and consider the growing importance of virtual real estate, while fun activities looked at the lifecycle of a property.
Lifecycle led perfectly into a second module on sustainability, augmented by a 3D tour of a workplace, while the third module, on transaction management, included sessions run by professionals.
As the programme neared the halfway stage, we wanted students to ponder some major questions and so worked with JLL to create a planning activity that asked how we can build towards a greener future.
After a module on facilities management, the sixth segment saw a trip to the Minecraft servers for a hands-on project where students could demonstrate what they had learnt about inclusive and sustainable design ideas.
The penultimate module focussed on diversity, equity and inclusion, including JLL and Meta’s credentials, while a final module explored the importance of data in decision making.
The programme attracted 668 enrolments and of those surveyed, 95% said they were at least somewhat likely to recommend the programme to their peers.
Mindsets were changed; 57% saying afterwards that working in a job that “helps the community” was very important to them, only 22% saying this on starting. Sustainability was “very important” to 50%, up from 35%.
Students grew in confidence, on completion 37% very confident of finding work and 86% at least somewhat confident - up from 3% and 46% respectively.
The programme has also gained recognition elsewhere with the complete programme winning "Best Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative" at the Official IWFM Awards.
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