Gabi Baumann, Consulting & Valuation, London Office
As a project manager and appraiser for HVS, the majority of my time is spent meeting with clients to discuss their projects, writing proposals for new appraisals or feasibility studies, assisting my colleagues with the analysis needed for an appraisal, and reviewing final reports for hotels of all kinds, from boutique properties to five-star resorts.
Monday
- Morning office meeting, discussing new business opportunities and planning for current assignments
- Catch up on emails, write clients back with updates on project status
- Update calendar with lists of what I need to accomplish this week
- Schedule meetings and conduct preliminary research on topics to be discussed
Tuesday-Thursday
- Meet with clients about existing projects and potential clients to discuss how I can help them with hotel appraisals, market studies, and other matters
- Travel with another associate to visit a subject hotel and perform fieldwork
- Visit competitive hotels in the market and talk to their general managers
- Interview city officials and visit businesses, tourism attractions, and other demand generators for hotels in the area
- Travel home
Friday
- Review notes, begin writing appraisal report
- Review report being written by other associates, analyzing the forecast and value of a hotel
- Prepare reports for the editing stage before they're sent to the client
- Catch up on any outstanding emails or phone calls and make some preparations for the following week
Other aspects of my job include assisting others with writing market snapshots or articles on various subjects (view articles I've written). I am also part of the HVS Data Operations Global Business Team, which works to optimize the utility of HVS' extensive global database of hotel figures. Conferences are one of the highlights of my year because I get to see my clients, school friends, and fellow HVS'ers. I usually attend the IHIF conference in Berlin every March as well as the International Hotel Conference in Italy. Last year, the conference was in Rome and I took part on a panel, discussing the economy and mid-scale hotel sector. This was the first time I had participated on a panel, which was a little frightening at first but then highly interesting and pleasant! Being part of the HVS partnership track, I started an 18-month part-time Masters in Real Estate in March 2009. This course of study will expand my knowledge and ultimately help me earn a RICS designation (comparable to an MAI in the U.S.).
From the moment I was hired back in 2005 until today, I never doubted that HVS was the best professional choice I could have made. Never, not in my wildest dreams, did I imagine that I would one day travel to places such as Maui (Hawaii), St. Petersburg (Russia), Damascus (Syria), Stockholm (Sweden), Copenhagen (Denmark), Munich (Germany), Dublin (Ireland), and many more to inspect hotels! HVS is an extremely encouraging environment for anyone who wants to roll up their sleeves in order to learn and progress. It's the epicenter for hotel knowledge around the world and the biggest team of hotel experts. Anyone willing and able to join HVS: Prepare yourself for an outstanding experience!
