Lauren Banks, who joined Workman in September 2024 as an Assistant Management Surveyor, outlines her non-traditional pathway into the commercial real estate sector, which was kick-started via a bootcamp with Regeneration Brainery.
Today, Lauren is on Workman’s Graduate Scheme in the Retail & Leisure team, and will be beginning her UCEM Real Estate Master’s degree this spring. Lauren is also a member of the Workman Graduate Committee.
Regeneration Brainery, a North West-based organisation, aims to introduce young people from diverse backgrounds to the vast array of career opportunities within property, construction, and related fields.
What specific skills or experiences from the Regeneration Brainery programme have been most valuable in your current role at Workman?
Regeneration Brainery provided me with invaluable exposure to the property and regeneration sector, allowing me to develop a strong foundational understanding of the industry. Engaging with experienced professionals, gaining insight into real-world projects, and participating in site visits have all been incredibly beneficial. Networking was a key skill I developed, which has helped me build connections within the industry. Additionally, the programme boosted my confidence in professional settings, which has been particularly useful in my role at Workman when engaging with clients, tenants, and colleagues.
How have you been able to leverage your ambassador role within Regeneration Brainery to support the growth and development of younger participants?
As an ambassador, I have been able to share my journey into the real estate sector and provide guidance to participants who may be unsure about their career paths. I have offered practical advice on networking, CV-building, and industry trends, helping them gain clarity on potential career routes. I also encourage them to step outside their comfort zones by asking questions and engaging with professionals during sessions. My aim is to inspire confidence in the participants and show them that there are multiple pathways into the industry, regardless of their background.
Can you share any specific examples of how Regeneration Brainery’s industry partnerships have opened new opportunities for you or your fellow Brainees?
One of the standout aspects of Regeneration Brainery is its strong industry connections, which have led to incredible opportunities for many participants. For example, through the programme, I was able to attend industry events such as UKREIIF, where I connected with professionals across the property sector. These interactions helped me gain a deeper understanding of the industry and expand my professional network, which has been beneficial for my career development. I have also seen fellow Brainees secure internships and job opportunities as a direct result of the connections made through the programme.
What advice would you give to other young professionals considering getting involved with Regeneration Brainery?
I would highly encourage anyone interested in property, regeneration, or the built environment to get involved with Regeneration Brainery. The programme offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the industry, connect with experienced professionals, and build a strong network. My advice would be to go in with an open mind, ask plenty of questions, and make the most of every interaction. The more you engage with the programme, the more value you will gain from it.
How do you envision your continued involvement with Regeneration Brainery, and what impact do you hope to have on the organisation and the built environment industry as a whole?
I hope to continue supporting Regeneration Brainery by mentoring new participants and helping to bridge the gap between young talent and the property industry. By sharing my experiences and insights, I aim to inspire the next generation of professionals and encourage more young people to consider careers in real estate and the built environment.
Long term, I would love to contribute to expanding the programme’s reach across more locations in the UK, ensuring that even more students from diverse backgrounds have access to these opportunities. As part of this, I would like to establish a lasting partnership between Workman LLP and Regeneration Brainery, positioning Workman as one of its industry partners.
By fostering this collaboration, Workman could provide valuable mentorship, insight, and potential career pathways for aspiring professionals while strengthening its role in supporting the next generation of talent in the built environment sector.
Ultimately, I want to play a role in creating a more inclusive and dynamic industry where young people from all backgrounds can thrive.
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