My name is Yussra Elsayed and I am working as a Real Estate Investment Analyst in the Business Development department at Prelios.
I am originally from Egypt and I have a bachelor's degree in marketing and international business. Right after my graduation I received a job offer in Dubai. During this time, Egypt was going through an economic crisis due to the Arab spring. Therefore, I accepted the job offer. However, my passion for finance started 5 years ago, while I was working as an investment banker in Dubai. Thus, I decided to pursue my master's degree in Economics and Finance.
Since I have been always passionate to explore different cultures and experience living in different countries, I have chosen Milan for my postgrad studies. Apart from the amazing Italian lifestyle and authentic culture, Milan stands in a strong place when it comes to the financial sector.
The decision to give up everything and start in a new place from scratch was the hardest and one of the riskiest decision I have ever made, quitting my job, and compromising my stability, not knowing what the future holds. However, regardless all that, I took a commitment to myself to never give up and to go after my dreams, no matter what.
So finally, I knew what “dolce vita” taste like when I moved to Italy 3 years ago. I have visited more than 15 cities, in 7 regions around Italy, and the more I see the more I fall in love with this country.
One of the things I admire the most about Italy besides the amazing food and the stunning architecture, are the beautiful different landscapes. I am a person who thrive adventures and always love to be in touch with natural, it adds excitement to my life, from climbing mountain, hiking trails, camping and diving in to the sea, to be able to explore my boundaries, it keeps me motivated and it always reminds me how the world is big and precious.
During my time in Milan I have met amazing people from whom I got informed about the internship opportunity in Prelios, I got so thrilled to apply and 2 weeks later I started my work here.
The first day I joined the Prelios Group I was so excited, working in a new culture is a thrilling experience that I have always thrived for. Fast enough I felt so integrated as the team met me with warm greetings and welcomed me to be part of the team. Their diversity and openness made it easy for me to feel belonging and gave me a memorable first day.
During the last year, my work time in Prelios, I have grown a lot both, professionally and personally. Our work environment is very challenging and always renewable, every day is a new challenge. No place for routine, yet big place for growth. It can get very stressful at times, but the harmony and the spirit of the team make the days always better. Currently I am working on one of the biggest real estate projects, a portfolio of 68 properties. I consider this project one of the challenging projects that will defiantly have an impact on my career growth.
The Prelios Group has greatly contributed to my path of success, as a young passionate professional, and gave me a great exposure to various markets, enabled me to deal with highly professionals from different backgrounds. With such an exposure obtained through my time at Prelios, I can say that I now have the main anchors of thriving in this career.
I am very grateful to work in such an environment, with amazing people and great learning opportunities. After all, small steps lead to greater ones, and I believe I have found what I was looking for when I made my career shift and moved across seas.
Therefore, I would like to advice the newcomers to have confidence, believe in yourself, dream big and treat everyone with respect. Set ambitious goals for yourself, and work towards those goals, repeatedly and constantly as the process of applying yourself with enthusiasm is where personal and professional growth takes place. And, most importantly, don’t forget to live your life!