In early May 2025, Frankfurt am Main hosted one of Germany’s most prominent real estate career events, bringing together over 700 students, young professionals, industry leaders, and recruiters. Held at the modern Kap Europa conference center, the forum showcased the latest trends shaping real estate professions and connected future talent with top employers across the sector.
The event was organized by the Frankfurt Real Estate Network in collaboration with ImmoTalents, a leading career consultancy platform, and supported by academic partners including Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and Technical University of Darmstadt.
Key Theme: Sustainability and Digital Transformation
Under the theme “The Future of Real Estate: Careers in Motion”, the forum focused on how sustainability, ESG compliance, and digitalization are redefining real estate roles. The diverse program included:
- Panel discussions with C-level executives from major real estate companies,
- Company presentations and open networking,
- Skills development workshops,
- A job fair featuring more than 60 real estate firms.
One of the standout sessions explored the impact of AI, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and data-driven design on planning, development, and property management.
Leading Employers and Market Demand
The event attracted an impressive lineup of real estate companies such as Vonovia, Drees & Sommer, CBRE, JLL, STRABAG Real Estate, Patrizia, Union Investment, Instone Real Estate, and Colliers. Both international giants and regional firms used the opportunity to showcase job openings, internship programs, and dual study offers.
Among the most sought-after career tracks presented by employers were:
- Sustainable urban development and green building management,
- ESG-compliant asset and property management,
- Data analytics and valuation in real estate finance,
- Tenant experience and lease management via PropTech solutions,
- Legal advisory roles in urban planning and investment.
As stated by the Head of HR at Union Investment Immobilien, “These forums allow us not only to hire smart new talent but also to understand how the next generation thinks and what it values.”
Participants and Academic Backgrounds
Attendees came from over 15 universities across Germany, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, and Stuttgart. The event also welcomed guests from Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
The participant profile included:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s students in Real Estate Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Business Administration,
- Early-career professionals with 1–3 years of experience,
- Career coaches and talent acquisition experts,
- PhD candidates and academic researchers.
Notably, women represented more than 45% of the attendees, reflecting a growing gender balance in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.
Expert Insights and Panel Discussions
One of the most anticipated sessions was the panel titled “Future of Real Estate Careers: What’s Changing for the Next Generation”, featuring speakers from JLL, CBRE, and STRABAG. Discussion topics included:
- The decline of conventional office space and rise of hybrid models,
- Climate-resilient construction and adaptation to environmental risks,
- New ESG regulations and reporting challenges,
- Digital asset monitoring and risk transparency.
Panelists emphasized that future professionals must be not only technically skilled, but also possess strong interdisciplinary communication abilities.
Practical Sessions and Career Coaching
A major highlight of the forum was its interactive and hands-on approach. Participants had access to:
- Mock interviews with recruiters from real estate firms,
- CV clinics and resume improvement sessions,
- LinkedIn profile workshops,
- Speed networking rounds with hiring managers (up to 10 mini-meetings per candidate).
The career fair also offered soft skills training in leadership, negotiation, and time management, led by corporate coaches active in the property sector.
PropTech and Startup Opportunities
For the first time, the forum featured a dedicated PropTech Career Zone, showcasing innovative startups revolutionizing the real estate landscape. Exhibitors included developers of:
- Digital twins and virtual building models,
- AI-powered rental platforms,
- ESG tracking and compliance tools.
Many students expressed enthusiasm for alternative career paths in real estate tech, often viewing them as equally — if not more — attractive than traditional roles in development or property management.
Survey Results and Next Year’s Outlook
According to a post-event survey conducted by the organizers:
- 89% of attendees said they gained valuable knowledge and industry contacts,
- 71% discovered relevant internship or job opportunities,
- 94% plan to return for the 2026 edition of the forum.
The next Frankfurt Real Estate Career Forum is already scheduled for spring 2026 and will expand to include new segments such as international real estate careers and cross-border investment tracks.
Conclusion
The Frankfurt Real Estate Career Forum has cemented its reputation as the leading talent platform in the German-speaking property sector. With more than 700 participants, dozens of exhibitors, high-level discussions, and actionable career guidance, the event offered a dynamic springboard for the next generation of real estate professionals. In an industry undergoing rapid transformation, platforms like this one are essential for building resilient, diverse, and forward-looking career ecosystems.
