Building expertise in non-listed real estate: how the INREV Academy Certificate shapes careers

In this fast-evolving industry, building a strong, practical understanding of non-listed real estate can make all the difference in your career. Today’s professionals need both technical knowledge and industry context to navigate their professional journey with confidence. This is exactly where the INREV Academy Certificate comes in. Celebrating 10 years of developing industry talent and over 120 alumni, this programme was designed to equip the next generation with the practical skills, knowledge and network to succeed.

Investing in the future of the industry

As the non-listed real estate sector grows in sophistication, the need for well-trained, forward-thinking professionals becomes more critical. The INREV Academy Certificate plays an important role by equipping participants with both the technical knowledge and the professional network required to thrive. Laurens-Jan Portier, senior portfolio manager at a.s.r. real assets investment partners, shares his own experience with the programme:

“As the real estate investment industry continues to evolve, it's important to keep building your knowledge. The INREV Academy Certificate provided a structured way for me to deepen my understanding of the market and gain practical knowledge that I still apply in my work today. That experience also encouraged me to stay involved with INREV, and today I'm pleased to contribute through the Training & Education Committee.”

For individuals, the programme provides clarity, confidence and credibility early in their careers. For organisations, it represents an investment in talent development that delivers long-term value. And for the industry as a whole, it helps raise standards and strengthen expertise across the board.

Learning through expert insights and peer exchange

What sets the Certificate apart is its emphasis on applied learning. Our courses are led by seasoned industry experts to guide participants through case studies, interactive sessions and real-life scenarios. By connecting theory to practice, this helps translate knowledge into decision-making skills they can use in their roles.

For Mike Stensgård Holm Hasselgren, Director, Head of Reporting and Analytics at Urban Partners, the programme helped connect different elements of the industry and broaden his perspective:

"Working in reporting and analytics requires an understanding of how data, investment strategy and market trends come together. The INREV Academy Certificate helped broaden my perspective on the European non-listed real estate industry and reinforced the importance of looking beyond individual disciplines. It's a valuable programme for anyone wanting to deepen their industry knowledge."

Equally important is the peer-to-peer networking. The programme brings together professionals from across the global INREV membership, creating an environment where participants can exchange perspectives and build lasting professional relationships.

This experience is echoed by Robert Wagenaar, Director North American Investments at Bouwinvest, who completed the Certificate in 2018:

“The INREV Certificate provided a valuable foundation early in my development as an institutional investor. It introduced a structured framework for non-listed real estate, combining strong fundamentals with practical insights. The interaction with peers added significant value, and many of these learnings continue to inform my work today.”

Since graduating, Robert has remained active in the INREV community — recently speaking at the INREV North America Conference open session, and the Investment Analysis and Performance Measurement Analysis courses. His journey highlights how the Certificate can serve as a catalyst for continued involvement in the industry.

A structured pathway into non-listed real estate

The INREV Academy Certificate offers a structured route for those looking to deepen their expertise in non-listed real estate. Developed in collaboration with Henley Business School and Maastricht University, the programme combines expert-led learning with academic recognition.

To obtain the Certificate, participants must first choose from one of two streams:

• Portfolio management, which focuses on understanding return and risk, portfolio construction and the analytical and qualitative tools needed to enhance risk-adjusted performance
• Corporate finance, which develops knowledge of financing, valuation and reporting, as well as the ability to evaluate investment opportunities across different real estate products

Each curriculum includes three mandatory and two elective courses from INREV’s training offering. Once complete, there will be a final assessment in the form of a written report based on a real-life case study. The programme is designed to fit alongside full-time work, with courses delivered throughout the year in key cities across Europe.

This flexible approach allows participants to build expertise aligned with their career direction, while the requirement to complete multiple courses ensures a well-rounded understanding of non-listed real estate.

Participants have up to 36 months to complete the five courses, offering further flexibility while maintaining a clear progression towards certification.

For Luke Williams, Director of Fund Management Real Estate at PATRIZIA, the Portfolio Management curriculum provided valuable support for his professional growth:

"The INREV Academy Portfolio Management Certificate provided an excellent platform to broaden my knowledge and further develop my Fund Management career. The programme combines high-quality courses with valuable opportunities to exchange ideas and best practices with industry peers. I would recommend it to those looking to strengthen their real estate industry knowledge."

Luke's experience illustrates how the curriculum combines technical knowledge with peer learning, helping participants develop expertise that can be applied directly to their day-to-day roles.

Opportunities for continued professional development

The value of the INREV Academy Certificate extends well beyond its core curriculum. Graduates gain access to further development opportunities that support long-term career progression:

• Henley Business School offers Certificate graduates exemptions when applying for selected Master's programmes, recognising the INREV curriculum
• University of Maastricht offers the Global Real Estate Leaders Program, specifically designed for professionals, including INREV Academy graduates, looking to advance into leadership roles and elevate their impact within the real estate industry

Together, these opportunities demonstrate how the Certificate fits within a broader learning ecosystem, supporting professionals at different stages of their career journey.

Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or looking to formalise your knowledge, the INREV Academy Certificate offers a pathway to build skills that last, and a gateway to the opportunities that follow. Find out more on our dedicated page or contact training@inrev.org.