Just do it. See where it takes you.

Here, Caroline talks about her unexpected journey from Hotelschool to real estate and explains why honesty takes you further than bravado.

“It was never the plan,” she says with a smile that betrays the fact that she is often asked this question. Anyone who meets her today would think that real estate was always the plan: she is confident and sharp, and has now been at Savills for almost seven years. But nothing could be further from the truth.

From Hotelschool to tenant expert

Caroline started Hotelschool with a clear idea in mind: management, organisation and people. She knew that she didn't want to pursue a career in hospitality. “Before my graduation internship, I thought I would do something fun in marketing, maybe at Suitsupply in New York,” she said. However, when that plan fell through, she changed direction.

Through her network, she ended up at Savills, first in Amsterdam and then in London. “To be honest, I had no idea what I was going to do,” she says candidly. 'During my interview, they asked me, "What do you want to learn here?" I replied, “Everything, because I don't know anything.” I thought this wasn't going to happen. And yet I was given the opportunity. I'm still grateful for that.”

What started as an internship grew into a permanent position within Savills' Tenant Representation team. “That means we help companies find the right office space and develop their workplace strategy. From the initial intake to the final signature, I represent the interests of the client.’

She talks about projects such as Rivvia, where she was responsible for finding a new location, and explains that her work is anything but routine. "Every company is different. One day I'm attending workshops about working environments; the next, I'm wearing a helmet on a construction site. It's dynamic, and that suits me.”

From 'no idea' to mapping her own path.

Caroline believes that her unplanned route is precisely what has made her strong. 'Sometimes I think: what if I had mapped it all out? Then I probably wouldn't be here now.”

After completing her studies, she decided to further her knowledge by undertaking an MSRE (Master of Science in Real Estate). “I had always said: I'm never going to study again. But then suddenly I was back in the lecture halls,” she says. “But I'm glad I did it. It helped me to think more broadly. Not just about rents and square metres, but also about value creation, strategy, and the long term.’

Combining studying with working full-time was challenging but also enlightening. ‘You suddenly see the bigger picture. And honestly, combining work and study worked for me; it made me sharper."

Working in a man’s world

Caroline doesn't need to think twice about whether the world of real estate is still dominated by men. "Yes, of course," she says. It still is.' But I notice it less than I used to. Fortunately, in Amsterdam, I see many female colleagues, strong, smart women who assert their authority without it being a struggle.”

She recounts how she is sometimes the only woman at the table, surrounded by people who have been in the business for thirty years longer than her. “Then I sometimes think, ‘Do you actually take me seriously?’” Ultimately though, it's all about knowledge and trust. If you do your job well, you simply belong. Period.”

She is still realistic though. ‘As long as there is respect, I'm fine with it. You learn to deal with it. And I have to be honest: sometimes it's easier to talk to men. There's less background noise.''

Teamwork, pace and timing

Her greatest motivation is her team. "We have a great team at Savills. Everyone works hard, but there is also room for humour and honesty. If something isn't going well, you can just say so. What you give is what you get, I truly believe that.”

She talks about her (female) colleagues, with whom she works closely. ‘We all have our own style, but we complement each other. The nice thing about this job is that you never do it alone.”

Growth and pragmatism

When Caroline reflects on the past few years, it is development that stands out above all else. “At first, I had no idea what I was doing. Now I know my own value, but I try to remain pragmatic. I don't need to be the loudest voice in the room. If you know what you're doing, that will come across naturally.”

She certainly has plans for the future, but they don't all have to happen tomorrow. ‘I love what I do. As long as it continues to challenge and energise me, I'm happy. Maybe one day I'll want to move in a different direction within real estate, but for now, this is exactly where I want to be.”

Caroline proves that a career doesn't have to be planned to turn out just right. She shows that honesty is stronger than bravado and that you can still be yourself, even in a world full of tall towers.

Want to hear more stories like this?Join WIRED, where real estate and inspiration converge.