How big investment decisions get made

Before committing to a property investment, super funds go through a process called underwriting. This involves assessing whether an opportunity is in members’ best financial interest. This is done through researching the investment’s fit within the fund’s strategic goals, risk appetite and existing portfolio. Research plays a major role initially and on an ongoing basis , drawing on multiple insights including internal teams, brokers, academic studies, peers and listed markets.

For example, take demographics; a sharp rise in the number of people aged over 80 in developed countries is driving demand for aged care and retirement housing. If supply can’t keep up, that presents an opportunity from an investment point of view. Still, even the most promising idea needs to align with the fund’s broader strategy—factors like economic expectations, location, sector exposure, cost estimates, ESG standards and member outcomes all matter.

Real estate investing is a team effort. A single transaction can involve more than a dozen professionals, including ESG consultants, engineers, lawyers and tax advisers. Their expertise helps validate every aspect of a deal so the investment committee can make a well-informed decision.

For Ogi, this collaborative process is a highlight of the job. Being the playmaker, coordinating advice and insights, and ultimately making a recommendation to invest is both rewarding and intellectually stimulating.

But not every deal goes ahead, some fall over after months of work. While that can be frustrating, it’s part of the discipline. Knowing when to walk away is a sign the process is working—protecting members’ financial interests and long-term outcomes.

Ogi’s top tips:

• Stay curious about big-picture trends
  Keep an eye on macroeconomic and demographic shifts. Understanding these themes can help you spot emerging opportunities in industries like real estate or infrastructure.
• Value your broader experience
  Your background doesn’t have to be linear. Don’t underestimate how your existing knowledge or interests can shape your next career step.
• Build relationships and collaborate
  Investing is a team sport. Cultivating strong networks and developing your interpersonal skills is just as important as technical know-how — especially when working with diverse professionals.
• Check out the CFA Institute – Securing your CFA is a significant undertaking but is a great way to signal your commitment and financial acumen.
• CareerConnect - Our flash mentoring platform is almost here! Get yourself set-up before matching goes live.