Why AM ALPHA? Looking back, Kathrin sums it up in one word: internationality. Having only just returned from a round-the-world trip, she sought a Munich-based role with a genuine global perspective on markets, a combination that is still rare in the local real estate scene. AM ALPHA’s independent, entrepreneurial family office, with its short decision-paths and a clear focus on value-add, quickly convinced her.

Responsibility from the start. “At AM ALPHA, responsibility is not reserved for later career stages”, says Kathrin, “it is part of your role from the beginning, always backed by a team that is approachable and more than willing to step in when necessary.” Today, one and a half years into her time with the firm, Kathrin is already leading a live transaction. She coordinates many of the key workstreams while having direct access to senior colleagues for guidance or quick alignment when needed. Short decision-paths is something she experiences on a daily basis. For her, this means being able to shape the full investment story rather than only contributing to one small piece.

Value-add: where real change happens. A decisive moment in the application process came when Kathrin understood how strongly AM ALPHA focuses on value-add strategies. As she puts it: “Core assets are stable and dependable – qualities that matter to many investors. But value-add projects push you to think differently. They’re more challenging and that’s what makes them so rewarding. You learn quickly and have a real impact on how an asset evolves.” AM ALPHA is looking for this kind of potential; historic buildings that can be revitalised, retail assets that are important everyday places for local communities or complex properties that need a new concept. This is where Returning Real Value becomes tangible for her – through targeted investment, improved usability and long-term perspectives for both users and investors.
In Kathrin’s view, the most sustainable building is usually the one that already exists. Enhancing such assets, preserving their character and aligning them with today’s ESG and user requirements is precisely where sustainability and long-term value creation in real estate come together.

It takes a team. When asked what Kathrin values most about AM ALPHA as an employer, her answer is straightforward: the people. Her time at the company so far has been shaped by the close collaboration with colleagues from Europe and Asia, as well as by many occasions when experienced team members have taken the time to share their knowledge with her. Kathrin: “There is a formal buddy system in place, to which I myself contribute actively. But what stands out are the many informal learning moments, such as a senior colleague sharing the ‘why’ behind the numbers and what they mean for the bigger picture, or when a “quick question” leaning over to the next desk turns into a short, focused deep dive. There is the saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and in the case of AM ALPHA, I would say, it takes a team to make a pro.”

Learning on and off the job. Structured development at AM ALPHA is purposely complemented by external learning. When Kathrin expressed an interest in the INREV Mentorship Programme, the partners' response was actively encouraging. She is now part of an international mentoring initiative that organises meetings in European real estate hubs,  enjoys regular exchanges with peers and has a senior industry mentor. She also sits on the INREV Young Professionals Committee. For AM ALPHA, this is an investment in future leadership; for Kathrin, it is an opportunity to build a network and skill set that reach well beyond her current role.