Fabian
Klimpel

Why did you chose to study at NTU?

I was determined to pursue my Master's degree in the UK, and it was important for me to study in a city with a vibrant student community. Equally important was finding a university with a strong reputation and a renowned programme in Real Estate. I was especially drawn to a course that placed emphasis on International Real Estate with a clear focus on investment and finance criteria that NTU fully met. Visiting NTU on an open day further reinforced my decision. I was impressed by the excellent campus facilities and inspired by the conversations I had with faculty members.

Tell us about your memories of NTU:

What did you learn - both inside and outside of lectures? What still makes you smile when you look back?

Through my master's studies I was able to deepen my industry-specific knowledge in real estate while also growing personally in an international environment. I enhanced my analytical skills and developed them further through practical case studies for example, learning how to assess investment opportunities and build cash-flow models both in theory and in practice. Another key aspect of my learning was gaining a broader understanding of real estate investment performance in a wider economic context.

What I particularly enjoyed was the highly motivating atmosphere: working closely with ambitious classmates from different backgrounds, exchanging ideas, and learning from one another. I also greatly benefited from the faculty, who not only excelled academically but also brought valuable practical expertise from the industry into the classroom. The exciting and often fun field trips to London and Amsterdam were another highlight, offering valuable insights while creating great memories with my classmates. These experiences not only strengthened my structured, detail-oriented and goal-driven way of working, but also showed me how much I value collaboration and interaction in a professional setting. What still makes me smile when I look back are the evenings when my classmates and I went to our favourite pub after long days in the library - moments of laughter and friendship that made the experience truly memorable.

You today:

What does your current day involve? 

As I am currently in the process of building my own business, no two days look the same. My work often ranges from developing the business strategy, partnership building and working on real estate projects, to handling the practical aspects of running a company. While the focus may shift from day to day, what remains consistent is the variety, the challenge, and the excitement of shaping something new and seeing it grow.

What attracted you to this field of work?

I have been fascinated by real estate from a very young age. Later, through my studies and internships, I gained a holistic view of the industry - from the technical and managerial aspects to project development and portfolio management. What truly attracted me to this field, however, was discovering the unique nature of real estate as an asset class. Unlike other investments, real estate represents the places where we live, work, shop and learn - spaces that carry a strong demand for design and form. This ability to combine financial performance with aesthetics and functionality has always inspired me, and it continues to fuel my ambition to build something of my own.

What challenges have you faced?    

One of the first challenges I overcame was adapting to a new country and academic environment during my Master's studies. That experience gave me resilience and confidence, which are traits that help me today as I face the biggest challenge so far: building my own business. The early stages come with uncertainty and responsibilities. I have learned to embrace this unpredictability, stay flexible and keep moving forward.

Setbacks have included trying out different approaches, only to realise after months of hard work that some paths simply do not work and require starting again. As a newcomer, I also had to learn how to deal with scepticism and rejection from experienced industry colleagues or demanding customers. What drives me is the belief in my vision and the motivation to create something lasting. But equally important has been knowing when to seek advice from experienced professionals in the industry, asking for help where needed, and drawing strength from the support of family and friends.

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

One of the biggest highlights of my career so far has been completing my master's degree abroad and adapting to a new country and academic environment, which gave me the knowledge, skills and confidence to take the next step. My first role after graduation, working in the transactions team of a large German investor, was another milestone. Being involved in the execution of office property acquisitions and disposals in Germany with a total transaction volume of over EUR 200 million confirmed my passion for real estate investment. Most recently, founding my own business has been both a highlight and an exciting new chapter, allowing me to shape something of my own.

The biggest challenge, however, was making the leap from being an employee in a company and part of a team to becoming self-employed. Beyond the financial uncertainties, one of the hardest parts was working entirely on my own without colleagues or supervisors to exchange ideas with. Having to make all decisions and to carry all risks by myself has been a difficult new experience. Over time I have learned to embrace this independence, seek advice when needed, and build a network of support around me.

What are your plans for the future?

At the moment my main plan for the future is to continue building and developing my own business. My goal is to establish it as a strong and reliable partner in the real estate industry, build up a small team, and create long-term value through successful projects. In the longer run, I hope to expand my network, explore international opportunities, and shape projects that combine financial performance with quality and design. While the exact path may not always be clear, I am motivated by the opportunities ahead and excited to see where this journey will take me.

What advice would you give to new graduates?

My advice to new graduates would be to stay open-minded and take every opportunity to learn, both from successes and from setbacks. Don't be afraid if things don't work out exactly as planned, because every experience adds value and direction. Be courageous enough to follow your own path, even if it feels uncertain at times, and make use of the support and knowledge of others. Building strong networks and asking for advice when needed can be just as important as hard work, perseverance, and determination. Above all, stay resilient, keep going, and remain flexible in adapting and embracing new opportunities.

Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share with our alumni community?

Looking back, my time at NTU was not only about gaining academic knowledge, but also about meeting inspiring people from all over the world and growing personally in an international environment. A standout memory for me will always be the great atmosphere on campus, the supportive faculty who motivated us to go further, and making international friendships that last until today. If I could share one final piece of advice, it would be this: believe in your vision, remain patient and persistent, and don't hesitate to take the first step. Many opportunities only unfold once you are already on the journey.

If you'd like to stay up to date with Fabian you can follow him on LinkedIn