James Smith

I joined JLL’s graduate scheme in 2019 at the London office. In the first rotation you do not have the opportunity to choose where you are placed, though in the subsequent rotations there is an element of choice, subject to business needs. I always had the aspiration to complete one of my rotations at LaSalle, so I completed a couple of courses in the industry during my first rotation to have a better chance to be selected for LaSalle in my second rotation. I was selected, and subsequently joined LaSalle in January 2021 for my second and final rotation, with the intention to rotate out in October.

As fate would have it, however, I started speaking to colleagues at LaSalle during my rotation and understanding their passion for the industry. I soon realized that this was what I wanted to do, and the part of the property industry that I am most passionate about. This month, I am starting full-time with LaSalle in Amsterdam, as a Senior Analyst and I couldn’t be happier.

When I joined JLL and LaSalle it was in part because, as global companies, we lean on so many professionals across the world who have a huge range of expertise, and both companies offer direct access to this expertise. How amazing is it that a company helps facilitate career movements across different countries to help employees learn more?

My favourite part or working at LaSalle has to be that there is always opportunity — to take on new work, learn about new sectors, and explore new ideas. I’ve had a lot of autonomy, but importantly if I or anyone else has new ideas, there’s respect and support from your managers to help you pursue them.

I’d like to have an opportunity to see the global headquarters in Chicago at some point in the future and how that differs from offices in Europe. Being able to see how the European experience differs from the American experience is something I’d love to learn.

Speaking of learning, I’m dyslexic, which is something I only learnt when I was 16. All my life before that, I just thought I wasn’t as intelligent as other people. I didn’t realize my brain worked in a different way to others, I would consistently receive low grades and was very disruptive. When I found out I was dyslexic, I realized there were different ways to learn that were suited to me, and suddenly I was achieving considerably higher results and went from the bottom to the top of my classes. That helped instill in me the view that we all learn differently, and I should be confident in myself and recognize my own abilities and the support I need to achieve my goals. I don’t think of dyslexia as a disability, but rather an opportunity to understand how my brain works to achieve what I want to achieve.

Being open out it has made a world of difference in life and at work. Realizing everybody works differently, for example, allows the team to accommodate different styles. Some people don’t speak up right away, or others don’t like to formulate their thoughts until they have a chance to reflect. It’s important to think outside of the status quo and create an environment where people can feel supported to work in ways that allow them to do their best. I always feel LaSalle works toward and values that perspective, and I feel comfortable and supported here, which I appreciate.

I think it’s going to be a great place to build my career.