On this special occasion of Youth Day, we would like to celebrate the passion, dedication, and achievements of our interns at Boxwood Property Fund. We sat down with three remarkable individuals who have embarked on an enriching internship experience with us. Their unique perspectives shed light on their motivations, accomplishments, and the invaluable skills they have gained during their time at Boxwood. Join us in honoring Damon, Luvuyo, and Uyanda as they share their inspiring stories.

Uyanda Gama [21 years old], studied Property Valuation at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

1. “What initially attracted you to pursue an internship at Boxwood Property Fund?”
   I was keen to understand how a new property fund operates and its role within the real estate industry in terms of expanding its portfolio.
2.  “Can you share a highlight or accomplishment from your internship experience at Boxwood Property Fund so far?”
   I inquired about investing in a specific type of property that the fund was also considering. I wanted to assess its viability and determine if it would be a worthwhile investment for Boxwood.
3. “What specific skills or knowledge have you gained during your internship at Boxwood Property Fund that you believe will benefit your future career?”
   Working at Boxwood has helped me develop my communication skills and fostered a habit of questioning everything in the office. This growth has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and will undoubtedly benefit me in the future.
4. “How has working at Boxwood Property Fund contributed to your professional growth and development?”
   This internship experience at Boxwood has been immensely valuable, especially considering it is my first. It has given me firsthand exposure to the property work environment and has contributed significantly to my professional development.
5. “What unique opportunities or projects have you been involved in during your internship at Boxwood Property Fund?”
   One of the projects assigned to me was to ensure that the fund was meeting its targets for the parking lots in The Box and The Felix buildings.
6. “Have you had the chance to interact with professionals in various roles at Boxwood Property Fund? If so, how has that influenced your perspective on career possibilities?”
   Yes, I have had the opportunity to interact with professionals in various roles at Boxwood. It has opened my eyes to the diverse range of roles one can play within the real estate industry and the different locations where work can take place. Sometimes, it doesn’t even require being in the office the whole day. 

Luvuyo Stuurman [25 years old], studied Real Estate at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

1. “What initially attracted you to pursue an internship at Boxwood Property Fund?”
   The ambition of the group at Boxwood Property Fund is impressive. Although Boxwood Property Fund is relatively new, it has been making significant progress and achieving remarkable success. Seeing such a well-rounded team focused on a common goal is truly inspiring.
2. “Can you share a highlight or accomplishment from your internship experience at Boxwood Property Fund so far?”
   I had the opportunity to work with Fayaz Dhorat on drafting a payment process template. The draft I created ended up becoming the payment processor for Boxwood Property Fund.
3. “What specific skills or knowledge have you gained during your internship at Boxwood Property Fund that you believe will benefit your future career?”
   At Boxwood, I learned essential interpersonal skills, the importance of good communication and negotiation, how to assess the feasibility of a development, and the value of money in the property industry. I also gained insights into how to navigate the industry and build a client base.
4. “How has working at Boxwood Property Fund contributed to your professional growth and development?”
   Above all, Boxwood Property Fund taught me that you can’t win every time and the importance of being fully committed. With the new clauses in contracts nowadays, we had refresher meetings in the morning to stay up to date. I learned the vital role of punctuality in setting up my day and the value of keeping informed about current events. Effective listening while networking within the industry also taught me the importance of learning from everyone, whether it’s a broker or an established developer.
5. “What unique opportunities or projects have you been involved in during your internship at Boxwood Property Fund?”
   I had the opportunity to work on The Salt Market project, witnessing its development from removing lifts to purchasing TVs. I was actively involved in meetings with architects, engineers, and the construction team. Seeing the chain of command and how changes affect everyone involved was a valuable experience. The Salt Market holds sentimental value for me because I was there during tasks like breaking down the reception wall and selecting flowers for decoration. I learned about different types of flowers and met passionate florists and other individuals dedicated to their work. Working on The Felix was also a joy, interacting with businesses operating there and witnessing the challenges faced by property managers during renovations with tenants present. One interesting aspect was building a boxing ring. Every opinion mattered, as decisions were made collectively, whether it was about color schemes or drafting ideas for the atriums in the Felix Building.
6. “Have you had the chance to interact with professionals in various roles at Boxwood Property Fund? If so, how has that influenced your perspective on career possibilities?”
   Yes, Fayaz Dhorat invited me to an Investec summit conference, which provided valuable insights. I had the opportunity to meet property managers from various buildings. While my ultimate goal has always been to become a developer, working with Rob Kane at Boxwood has further amplified my desire for that role. I am still actively working towards it.

Damon Wheals [23 years old], studied BSc Honours in Property Studies from UCT (University of Cape Town)

1. “What initially attracted you to pursue an internship at Boxwood Property Fund?”
   After completing my studies, I had a strong desire to work in an industry that would allow me to utilize my analytical skills and work with numbers. I was actively seeking an opportunity that aligned with these interests, and I was fortunate to come across an excellent opportunity here at Boxwood Property Fund. The real estate industry, with its focus on financial analysis, market trends, and investment strategies, presented an ideal platform for me to apply my skills and pursue my passion for numbers. Joining Boxwood has provided me with a great opportunity to combine my academic background with practical experience in a dynamic and engaging environment.
2. “Can you share a highlight or accomplishment from your internship experience at Boxwood Property Fund so far?”
   One of the standout highlights of my internship experience at Boxwood Property Fund has been the opportunity to build strong and meaningful relationships with my co-workers. The supportive and collaborative environment within the company has allowed me to forge connections with experienced professionals who have been instrumental in my learning and growth. Through their mentorship and guidance, I have been able to enhance not only my individual skills but also my ability to contribute effectively as a team player. Starting with a two-week internship and having it extended to a full year has been an exciting and rewarding journey. It speaks to the value that Boxwood Property Fund places on fostering talent and providing meaningful learning experiences. This extension has allowed me to dive deeper into the company’s operations, take on more challenging projects, and further develop my skills and expertise in the real estate industry. It has been immensely fulfilling to have the opportunity to contribute to the team’s goals and witness my own professional growth over an extended period of time.
3. “How has working at Boxwood Property Fund contributed to your professional growth and development?”
   Working at Boxwood Property Fund has contributed significantly to my professional growth and development. The collaborative and supportive nature of the team has enabled me to fit in well and quickly become a valued member. The exposure to diverse projects and responsibilities, such as assisting with due diligence and supporting asset management, has allowed me to expand my skill set and gain a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry. The feedback and mentorship provided by experienced professionals have helped me refine my skills and improve my performance. Overall, my experience at Boxwood has provided a solid platform for my professional growth and has enhanced my ability to contribute effectively to the team and the organization.
4. “What unique opportunities or projects have you been involved in during your internship at Boxwood Property Fund?”
   During my internship at Boxwood Property Fund, I have been fortunate to be involved in various unique opportunities and projects. Assisting in the due diligence process for acquisitions has exposed me to the intricate details of evaluating potential investments, conducting market research, and analyzing financial data. Additionally, being involved in asset management and budgeting has allowed me to gain insights into the operational aspects of managing and optimizing a real estate portfolio. These experiences have broadened my understanding of the industry and have provided me with a well-rounded perspective on the various facets of real estate investment and management.
5. “Have you had the chance to interact with professionals in various roles at Boxwood Property Fund? If so, how has that influenced your perspective on career possibilities?”
   Yes, I have had the chance to interact with professionals in various roles at Boxwood Property Fund, and it has greatly influenced my perspective on career possibilities. Collaborating with individuals from the acquisition, asset management, and finance teams has given me a holistic view of the different career paths within the real estate industry. It has helped me understand the specific responsibilities, challenges, and skill sets required in each role. These interactions have been invaluable in shaping my career aspirations and providing me with insights into potential growth opportunities within the real estate sector.