Study programs and training in logistics and industrial real estate

In order for new logistics and industrial properties to be built, many experts are needed to initiate, monitor and implement a construction project. The property must then be sold, let and managed. Many different people with different professions are also involved in this process. The training opportunities in the real estate industry are diverse – whether through a degree course, a traditional apprenticeship or subsequent further training.

There are a number of degree courses that deal with construction planning, marketing and real estate management – such as the degree course in real estate management. This combines the content of business administration with industry-specific specialist knowledge. Economics, technology and law are at the heart of the course. Individual areas can be further deepened in the subsequent Master’s course. Graduates can enter careers in the development, management or marketing of residential and industrial real estate.
The “Real Estate Management” course offers very similar content. Here too, the course content is based on business administration and the areas of construction technology and construction law. The focus is on planning, marketing, organization, administration and the purchase and sale of land and properties. Location and property analysis are just as much a part of the course content as project planning and portfolio management. In the Master’s program, students can then go into further detail in the areas of portfolio management, facility management, project development, real estate investments and contract management.

The “Real Estate” and “Real Estate Management” courses deal with the development of the real estate market and the requirements of cities and regions. A large part of the course also includes content from architecture, giving students basic knowledge of building construction and statics. The course also offers the opportunity to focus on commercial real estate. In the subsequent Master’s course, students learn to manage and coordinate construction projects professionally, which opens the door to a career as a project manager in the construction of new properties. The course also deals with financing options for real estate and the legal aspects of the real estate industry. Students who specialize in these areas can later work in a management consultancy, for example.

When it comes to designing a new property, architects are in demand. The corresponding degree course is available with a wide variety of specializations. During their studies, prospective architects learn how to plan, design and construct buildings. Depending on the focus of the course, these can be simple residential buildings or large industrial buildings – including logistics properties. Architects focus on the technical, artistic, economic and ecological planning and implementation of new buildings or conversions. They are responsible for ensuring that the properties meet the requirements of their future use and comply with all legal requirements.

If you want to be involved in the planning, management, purchase and sale of land and real estate for industry and logistics, you don’t necessarily have to go to university. Training as a real estate agent can also be useful. Real estate agents are involved in the planning and organization of new construction and conversion projects, receive damage reports from tenants and arrange repair work – including for industrial and logistics properties. Organizing technical building management and monitoring construction and operating cost accounts are just as much a part of their duties as supporting public relations work for the property at their location. Another apprenticeship, real estate assistant, acts as a link between the property for sale or rent and the interested parties. They carry out viewings, clarify open questions and assist with registration in the land registry. Real estate assistants also commission and supervise maintenance work and renovation projects.

After completing training in one of the two professions, it is possible to complete further training to become a real estate appraiser. The focus here is on the assessment of properties as building land and the subsequent evaluation of the economic value. The appraisal of residential and commercial properties to determine the sales, insurance and rental value is also one of the tasks of this profession. When assessing the market value, real estate experts always keep an eye on the added value of the location and the connection to the infrastructure.
Another further training course focuses more on the financial aspect: real estate specialists take care of all the formalities associated with the purchase, sale or rental of residential and commercial properties. The job description also includes site analysis for new construction projects, handling the financing and accounting for the construction project. Real estate specialists usually work in administration, finance or real estate marketing.

Further training to become a building management specialist covers all areas of facility management. This includes services relating to the management and operation of buildings from a business and technical perspective. Facility management specialists keep an eye on all operating costs and the occasional costs of renovation and conversion work. They arrange necessary repairs in consultation with the building users or owners and take care of cleaning schedules and maintenance plans for the electricity and water supply to buildings.

So there are many paths that lead to a career in the logistics and industrial real estate sector. Anyone who would like to be involved in construction projects, likes working with numbers or prefers to manage and market a property will find the right job in this sector. The diversity of professions and training opportunities covers a wide range of professional interests.

Author: Verena Zieringer