Graduate schemes
We’re passionate about inspiring the next generation into the real estate industry.
At Octopus Real Estate we hold rotational graduate schemes for people interested in being part of a thriving and diverse business.
Our graduate schemes applications are now closed for this year, but look out later in the year for more information and new chances to apply. If you would like to keep up to date with Octopus Real Estate and be the first to know about our graduate schemes, follow us on LinkedIn.
Meet our latest graduates
Imogen Howell
How did you hear about our graduate scheme?
I worked at Octopus Energy, so I had an awareness of Octopus Group and Octopus Real Estate (ORE) years before I knew about the careers available in real estate. I believed in the mission of the company and knew it was a company that was passionate about the development of its employees, so when I saw that ORE were running a graduate scheme as I was undertaking my Real Estate MSc, I knew I had to apply!
What have you enjoyed the most about your time in the program?
I think the thing I’ve enjoyed the most about the scheme so far is the working environment at Octopus Group. It’s an organisation that’s using innovation to create positive change, which makes it such an exciting place to work. I love working on how funding and investing in sustainable real estate can help make the world a better place, whilst also getting to hear about how other teams like Octopus Ventures are making investments that are changing the world for the better.
What has surprised you about working in the real estate industry and what have you learnt so far?
It’s hard to encapsulate everything I’ve learnt in a few sentences! I had never studied finance, so coming into a fund management business was a learning curve. The dynamic nature of the industry was definitely something that attracted me to it, but I think I underestimated just how dynamic and exciting it would be. It’s always fascinating to be exposed to ORE’s corporate development team who are constantly researching and evaluating new innovative investment opportunities and ideas.
How would you like to develop your career in the future?
I love that in the team I am currently in, a huge part of how we measure our performance is focused on sustainability and the impact our investments make. I hope that throughout my career I can continue to work on impact funds that are solving the biggest challenges facing society.
Would you recommend a graduate scheme like this to other young people? Why?
Absolutely. The exposure I’ve had within the scheme has been fantastic, both in terms of getting insight into the full breadth of ORE’s offering, and also getting exposure to senior people within the organisation. Octopus prides itself on being non-hierarchical and coming into the business I wasn’t sure exactly how true that would be. The opportunity to work directly with and learn from people with 20 years of experience has been instrumental to my development.
George Loder
How did you hear about our graduate scheme?
I saw the job advert on LinkedIn, as part of my search for graduate roles in the real estate finance space. Having not come from a real estate undergraduate degree, I was attracted to the role as it specified that no real estate background was needed. I was in my final year of a finance degree at the time and didn’t want to go down the traditional surveying route. I got more and more excited about the opportunity as I read about what Octopus Real Estate does, as well as the ethos of the wider group.
What have you enjoyed the most about your time in the program?
Having known little about the industry coming in, I have enjoyed the breadth of learning I’ve been exposed to working across the different business lines. There is always someone able and happy to help you, which has really supported my development. I’ve felt like a valued member of each team and have enjoyed the responsibility that comes with this.
What has surprised you about working in the real estate industry and what have you learnt so far?
Real estate is so widespread in nature; it is a focal part of everyone’s lives and the number of moving parts that make up the industry has definitely surprised me. I have learnt that relationships play an important part, and developing and maintaining a good network is really beneficial. Most importantly, in order to meet climate targets in the future, the built environment is vital and the opportunities to be part of the positive change are endless.
How would you like to develop your career in the future?
I see an opportunity in the change that needs to occur within the real estate industry to reach net-zero. This need is beyond the capacity of just the public sector, so I want to develop my skills and knowledge to allow me to be a part of the solution that funds and facilitates this transition. I believe there are improvements to be made in the green property lending space and I am keen to explore this further as my career progresses.
Would you recommend a graduate scheme like this to other young people? Why?
100%. Octopus is a truly unique company and I feel my opinion is valued and listened to. Graduates are trusted and expected to act like any other member of the team, we are given autonomy and are always encouraged to explore individual projects and ideas. In addition, being supported to study towards my Masters degree and the APC alongside the role is invaluable and something I’m very grateful for.