Q&A with Sophie: A Summer Intern’s Experience at Veros

As summer comes to an end, so does Sophie Cooke’s internship at Veros. We sat down with her to chat about what she’s learned, her highlights, and what advice she has for future interns.

Tell us a bit about what you’re studying and why you chose Veros for your internship.

I’m studying a Bachelor of Property and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in property and management. After three years at university and an internship in local government, I wanted to spend my summer in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where I could keep learning and challenge myself daily.

Veros caught my eye because of the variety of work—your projects aren’t always straightforward, and you tackle some really interesting challenges. After checking out your website and seeing the range of projects, I realised your approach to property, strategy, and advisory aligned perfectly with my passion for the built environment, research, and problem-solving.

What were you hoping to learn this summer?

I came in wanting to see how big decisions get made in property and development—the kind of strategic thinking that happens before a project even gets off the ground.

Since Veros covers everything from advisory and strategy to project and development management, I knew it would be an awesome place to gain insight into the whole process. The goal was to connect the dots between what I’ve learned at university and how things actually work in the real world.

What was the highlight of your time at Veros?

One of my biggest personal wins was stepping up to host my final team meeting before finishing up.

Public speaking has always been outside my comfort zone, but I knew I’d regret not taking the opportunity. I shared my key learnings, connected with the team in a new way, and put my management degree to use in a real-world setting. It was definitely a defining moment for me—pushing myself and realising I’m capable of more than I thought.

What kind of projects did you get to work on?

Most of my work was in strategic and property advisory, and I was lucky to be involved in some really meaningful projects. I worked on strategic advisory initiatives, helping develop stakeholder overviews and research to support projects for local governments and a top 50 NZ company. I also contributed to a needs assessment, ensuring strategies were informed by cultural and future needs.

In property advisory, I focused on supporting feasibility studies across New Zealand, all with a great purpose and positive on their communities if they can be turned from a concept into a result. I also gained hands-on experience in development research, interpreting technical reports, financial feasibilities, and local government plans to help shape future development options. This gave me a real appreciation for how research and analysis drive smart decision-making in the industry.

How would you describe working with the Veros team?

Genuinely inspiring.

The culture at Veros is purpose-driven, and every project is tackled as a team effort. I quickly saw how everyone leans on each other’s expertise to solve problems and deliver high-quality results. It was amazing to be part of a workplace where collaboration, trust, and high standards are the norm.

Any standout moments from social events or team activities?

Definitely the morning coffee runs – a great way to catch up, connect, and start the day right. And of course, Veros Christmas at the beach. Sunshine, BBQs, and celebrating the team’s achievements—it was the perfect way to wrap up the year!

How has this experience shaped your career goals?

My time at Veros has confirmed my passion for projects that enhance communities and create lasting impact. It reinforced how much I enjoy working on strategic decision-making and problem-solving in property.

At university, you learn the theory—but in the real world, you need to be dynamic, adaptable, and ready to think on your feet. This experience has helped me build confidence, push my own limits, and better understand what kind of career I want to carve out for myself.

What advice would you give to someone starting an internship?

There are three things I would pass on:

Know your ‘why.’ Understanding what excites you about the industry will help you find the right opportunities.
Say yes to challenges. Push yourself—you learn the most when you’re doing things that feel slightly out of your depth.
Be open to learning. Every project is a chance to build your knowledge, connections, and skillset—make the most of it!

Would you recommend an internship at Veros?

Without a doubt! At Veros, you don’t just watch from the sidelines – you’re trusted with real work and given meaningful learning opportunities. The team is skilled, supportive, and invested in helping you succeed, which makes it the perfect place to kickstart your career.

That’s a wrap on Sophie’s summer at Veros! We’re so grateful to have had her on board and can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.

Curious about what it’s like to work at Veros?

Learn more on our careers page or reach out at careers@veros.co.nz – we’d love to hear from you!