For International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Jeba Rezwana, Private Infrastructure Intern at CBRE IM, tells us which modern-day woman she admires and why. Plus how she gained vital professional skills through the ELBA Eagles programme.

Please provide a short outline of your current role and a brief description of any other relevant career experience
I am a Private Infrastructure Intern at CBRE Investment Management, working within the European Infrastructure team. My role includes supporting live transactions, preparing materials for Investment Committee (IC) meetings, and contributing to valuations across the infrastructure space with exposure to transport, digital and renewables. Specifically, I have had direct exposure to multi-technology renewable platforms (solar, wind, BESS), ferries, data centres and heat-as-a-service.

Prior to joining CBRE Investment Management, I graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from UCL and worked in customer service at a leading property repair and maintenance firm.

Tell us about your experience of the Eagles programme
What I’ve valued most is the environment that ELBA creates. The programme is built on positivity, encouragement and a genuine belief in the potential of its interns. That sense of trust and support has been motivating.

What have you gained from the programme?
The CV reviews, mock interviews and public‑speaking practice gave me the confidence to approach competitive corporate opportunities with far more self‑assurance. The “Managing Your Calendar” session at Happy Training was also impactful, and I now use those techniques daily to stay organised and manage my workload during busy periods.

A major benefit has been the sense of community the programme creates. Networking with former Eagles at events such as the House of Commons 20th‑anniversary celebration, as well as meeting Eagles now working at CBRE IM, has made a real difference to my journey.

What have you done since you finished the internship/placement?
Since completing the ELBA internship, my team has extended my placement for a further six months, allowing me to continue contributing to live transactions and deepen my experience within the Private Infrastructure team at CBRE Investment Management.

This extension has given me greater clarity and confidence in my long‑term career goals. I am committed to learning as much as I can, with the aim of pursuing a long-term career within a similar private equity environment.

Tell us your top piece of advice for others considering the Eagles programme
My advice would be to approach the Eagles programme with a strong commitment to learning. Take detailed notes and give yourself the time to understand your team’s work and areas you may initially find challenging. Proactively reach out and schedule “coffee chats” to build and maintain strong professional relationships, including across the organisation. Don’t be afraid of remaining authentic and avoid allowing imposter syndrome to overshadow your abilities.

Which historical or modern-day woman do you admire the most, and why?
A woman I greatly admire is Diana, Princess of Wales. Even today, her legacy continues to inspire people around the world, and learning about her work and influence has deepened my appreciation for all that she has accomplished. She supported numerous charities and organisations working to address poverty, homelessness, HIV/AIDS awareness, and the humanitarian impact of landmines. At a time when some of these issues were heavily stigmatised, she showed empathy and courage by meeting and engaging directly with those affected, helping shift public attitudes. Her ability to manage these responsibilities while remaining committed to charitable work shows remarkable dedication, duty, and compassion. This balance is what marks her a memorable historic figure for me.