Lily Nikolovski, Development Coordinator, Choice Properties REIT

Two years ago was my new beginning. I was a student at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) completing my Urban and Regional Planning degree. I was intimidated about the future, scared of the unknown, and frankly worried about what was next to come. School was all I’ve ever known. I wasn’t sure about what my job would entail and if I was ready for this next chapter. I began to question myself. Am I ready? But will I ever be ready? I think personally, sometimes the more you ponder, you begin to create doubt and fears. You must have confidence in your ability and know that at the end of the day any challenges that come your way, can be tackled. It won’t be easy, but you will learn and gain insightful experiences that will add to your continued success.

Hello everyone, my name is Lily! I am early in my professional career working in the development field. I thought I’d take some time to write about my journey entering the world of real estate development and share some of my experiences and advice for those who are in a similar position as me.

From a young age, I always knew planning and development was the field for me. I was fascinated by the growth in Toronto and seeing the new developments across the City. I always said that one day when looking at the City, I would want to see one of my projects constructed and ready for residents or local community members to enjoy. Translating a concept on paper into something physical where people can eat, sleep, play or work is the ultimate goal. You could say I was a planner from the start. I mapped a clear path and took every opportunity to set myself up for success in the future. I selected a specified program, established connections with professors, volunteered, and attended networking events. Networking can be intimidating but the connections could help kick-start your career. Just before graduating, I made a point to reach out to industry professionals I met for advice on the next steps. Whether I pursue further education or head straight into the working world.

I was fortunate enough to meet Wessal Omarkhail, at the end of my last semester. She spoke in one of my classes, sharing her experience in the development industry and her role at Choice Properties REIT. It was inspiring to see a young, accomplished woman in a male-dominated industry. I quickly reached out for a coffee chat to hear more about her journey. It was the best decision I ever made! After a few meetings, Wessal reached out to me about a summer position with Choice Properties. I got an interview and later landed a permanent position with the company.

It was such a surreal time. I got my dream job right out of school. I was very green but extremely eager and ready to work and most importantly learn. Since starting at Choice, I have had incredible opportunities. I am fortunate to work on projects in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada in major asset classes – residential, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial. Each project and its respective region present new challenges and learning opportunities. It’s amazing exposure and I get to learn about the various planning regimes in some of the country’s biggest cities – Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax. The Choice team is unlike no other. We have a team of experienced professionals, and I will add that many of whom are women. It is truly remarkable to get to work alongside many female professionals. They are leaders within the industry and personal role models for me.

Many of my peers from school were in similar situations as myself. We are a close group, and we would collaborate and share our experiences looking for jobs. I created a list of tips that is constantly evolving. I share it with peers who are starting off and are looking for some advice. I call it Lily’s Laws of Life. It has a nice ring. I wanted to share some points with you, let’s call it a recap of lessons learned that I like to keep in the back of my mind:

• Reach out and make connections – networking is everything. The next person you talk to could become your future advocate, mentor, or even a potential employer.
• Get comfortable with being uncomfortable – it’s hard learning on the fly. Trying new things can be challenging and intimidating but know that you’re learning and growing as a result.
• Be a sponge – you might not have all the answers today, but take in as much information as you can.
• Don’t be afraid – always ask questions; chances are someone is thinking the same thing as you.
• Get involved – there are a lot of opportunities within ULI/WLI. Whether it is volunteering at the next event or joining a committee, it’s a great way to meet like-minded folks in the industry.

I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read my post. I also want to shout out my mentor Meghan Wong for giving me the opportunity to share my story and help push me out of my comfort zone. I am not a writer by trade, but if my story resonated or helped give clarity to anyone, I am glad. I am always happy to connect, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can find me here on LinkedIn.