WCS People Profile & Nrep’s Roosa Puro: Creating an Impactful Career in Real Estate

Meet Roosa Puro, the driven and dynamic investment analyst at Nrep. Her journey into the world of real estate private equity highlights the value of exploring less traditional paths and staying true to one’s values. Roosa’s career reflects the influence of adaptability, curiosity, and the pursuit of meaningful work.

Building a Career Path

Roosa's academic journey began at Aalto University School of Business, where she pursued a major in Finance. Her university years were marked not only by academics but also by experiences that extended beyond the classroom. Among these was a semester abroad in Sydney, Australia, an adventure that added a global perspective to her studies, making her time at university unforgettable.

Alongside her studies, Roosa completed several internships, gaining valuable experience in multiple fields. She worked in management consulting at Spring Advisors, corporate finance at PwC, and transactions for the real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield. These opportunities allowed Roosa to develop a strong skill set that has significantly influenced the direction of her career.

Despite securing several valuable internships, Roosa recalls that during her studies, the first internship application processes were particularly challenging. She vividly remembers one specific application that she was eager about and dedicated significant effort to, only to have it not work out in the end. As someone who has been ambitious from a young age, it was a tough pill to swallow when hard work didn’t lead to the desired outcome.

"I clearly remember my first setbacks and the realization that hard work doesn’t always pay off. But it brought about a crucial shift in my mindset—I learned not to take setbacks too personally, but rather to reflect on them, draw lessons, and 'get back on the horse' to try again. It’s also important to recognize that, although people don’t often discuss failures, they are a reality. Even when you give 100%, things might not always go as planned.”

Reflecting on her university years, Roosa recalls being focused on the choices that would shape her future, particularly the type of internships she should pursue and what her first job after graduation would be. She believed these decisions would have a significant impact on her career path. She also remembers the challenge of distinguishing her own aspirations from the influences and choices of those around her—a struggle familiar to many university students.

"When I was younger, I felt the pressure that many fresh graduates experience—to pursue what seems expected, like certain career milestones or surrounding yourself with people from particular educational or professional backgrounds. But over time, I’ve grown more confident in focusing on what truly matters to me, like work-life balance, sustainability, and expanding my skills beyond my formal education,” she reflected.

Shaping a Sustainable Future

As she approached the end of her university studies, Roosa began exploring paths that were a bit less typical for a finance student. Her interest in real estate had been building, influenced by her internship at Cushman & Wakefield and her belief in the industry's enduring relevance and significant impact on daily life. Wanting to see the tangible effects of her work, Roosa decided that the ownership side of real estate was more intriguing to her than the advisory side. This realization led her to apply for a full-time position at Nrep.

"My decision to apply for a full-time position at Nrep stemmed from a long-standing interest in both the industry and the company. What particularly draws me to this field is its tangible nature; you can literally see the impact of your work by walking through the city, which I find both really cool and meaningful," Roosa explained.

When it came to choosing a company, Roosa found that Nrep embodied many of the qualities she sought in a workplace. As a real estate investor, Nrep not only owns its assets but also has a strong commitment to developing them sustainably, which resonated with Roosa's values. Additionally, she was drawn to the company's dynamic drive, motivation, and its youthful, encouraging culture, all of which aligned perfectly with what she was looking for in her career.

Roosa has now been with Nrep for over two years as an investment analyst, a role that has evolved alongside her own professional growth and development.

"I work as an investment analyst, where my main responsibilities involve evaluating potential investment opportunities in the Finnish market. If we decide to pursue an opportunity, I'm involved in advancing the transaction process and coordinating with both external and internal stakeholders,” she described.

Additionally, Roosa's work involves supporting other teams in managing assets and exploring diverse value creation methods and exit strategies for existing investments. Over her time at Nrep, her responsibilities have evolved, particularly since she joined without prior internship experience at the company. She has transitioned from gaining broad experience across different areas to identifying and focusing on the topics that spark her interest.

"I've developed a strong interest in sustainability, which is a core value for us as a company. Our work is truly centered on sustainability, and we genuinely strive to embed this principle into everything we do. It feels very meaningful to me, and I believe that having let my values guide me has led me to the right company."

Roosa highly values her free time and loves spending it doing various sports, with her latest hobby being CrossFit.

Mentorship, Culture, and Personal Drive

When discussing those who have impacted her career, Roosa brings up the importance of friends as mentors and role models.

"I really look up to my friends; I've watched them go through incredible development stories, like transitioning from traditional roles to entrepreneurship. They have a remarkable drive and an impressive ability to tolerate uncertainty. I think it's amazing," she admired.

Roosa also expresses how fortunate she feels to have worked, and continue to work, in companies with great cultures and people she can look up to.

"I’ve had the privilege of being part of companies with great cultures, and it’s something I carry with me. We've always prioritized culture and carefully considered how we present ourselves to stakeholders. I've applied those learnings to how I communicate with external stakeholders, always aiming to leave a positive impression of both myself and my employer."

Roosa’s positive and enthusiastic personality is evident in conversation, and when reflecting on the traits that have contributed to her career success, it's clear that her personality plays a key role.

"I believe my attitude, optimism, and sociable personality have significantly impacted my career. The transaction projects I work on are typically fast-paced, requiring coordination with multiple stakeholders to gather the necessary input. I always strive to make things easier for others, taking their needs and personalities into account. I make it a point to never waste anyone's time," she emphasized.

Charting a Path Forward

Looking ahead, Roosa aims to specialize further, developing a niche expertise that will allow her to hone her strengths and continue her professional growth.

"I've had the chance to learn about the industry from different angles by being part of various projects and ventures. However, in the next five years, I want to really focus on one or two key areas, whether it's sustainability or something else that captures my interest. Here at Nrep, we have a diverse range of in-house functions with experts in various fields, and I hope to leverage this network while pursuing that goal," Roosa stated.

If Roosa could give a piece of advice to her younger self, she would encourage her to trust herself more and regularly reflect on her goals and values. She would also remind her to be grateful and proud of what she has accomplished, instead of constantly worrying about the future.

For young professionals aspiring to roles similar to hers, Roosa offers a few key pieces of advice:

1. Appreciate your own time and skills—if you don’t, no one else will. Even if it doesn’t come naturally, try to have confidence; it's normal for it to be challenging at first.

2. Be inspired by others, and don’t hesitate to seek help or approach more experienced people who have likely faced similar challenges before.

3. Always aim to leave a positive and memorable impression on people, as that's what they’ll remember you by.