Stephen Yolland: My Experience as a Junior Land Manager.
Before joining VirginLand, my career journey spanned a wide range of industries - from theatre production to electric vehicle (EV) charging, PR, eCommerce, and fintech. Each role equipped me with unique skills, from managing logistics for major productions to optimising online sales strategies and negotiating critical contracts. What connected all these experiences was my passion for combining creative problem-solving with practical impact.
I’ve always had a keen interest in property, often finding myself imagining the potential of neglected buildings or disused plots. Whether transforming them into homes, workplaces, or community spaces, the idea of making a tangible difference drew me to land management. Over the past few years, I’ve immersed myself in learning about property development, land, and planning. When the opportunity at VirginLand came up, I knew it was the perfect chance to put my knowledge into practice.
A Standout Project
One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on so far has been a mixed-use campaign. The challenge of finding sites suitable for both a care home and a complementary commercial use, like a drive-through, pushed me to think beyond single-purpose developments. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see responses coming in from landowners and good offers being submitted on sites I’ve identified. This project has really highlighted the impact of my work in creating opportunities that balance multiple needs.
The Culture at VirginLand
Having worked at several start-ups, I was struck by VirginLand’s company culture. It’s rare to find a workplace where suggesting new ideas and improvements is not just welcomed but actively encouraged. At VirginLand, everyone’s contributions matter, and it’s refreshing to be part of a team where we’re all working toward the same goal—to make our product and service the best it can be. This openness to change and innovation has been a key factor in making my internship both enjoyable and meaningful.
Shaping My Career Goals
This internship has been a transformative experience for my career. I’ve learned so much about the land market, particularly the delicate balance of meeting both landowners’ and developers’ aspirations. It’s also broadened my perspective on the land & property industry, introducing me to sectors I hadn’t previously considered but now find fascinating and worth exploring further down the line.
A Typical Day in My Role
My days at VirginLand are dynamic and varied. Mornings usually involve planning my tasks, addressing anything overdue, and participating in internal team or client meetings. These sessions often include updates on campaign progress and reviews of potential sites. After lunch, I focus on site searching and reviewing flagged sites from our system. I also dedicate time to further outreach efforts, contacting landowners through multiple channels to ensure we’re getting the best responses. Late afternoons often involve following up with landowners or refining searches for specific client campaigns. It’s a structured but ever-changing role that keeps me engaged.
Beyond Work
Outside of work, I’m passionate about music, theatre, and pop culture. I love going to concerts, catching the latest films, and immersing myself in London’s vibrant theatre scene, especially musicals. I’m also a self-proclaimed pop culture enthusiast—whether it’s diving into the drama of reality TV (a guilty pleasure), following breaking news, or exploring the latest in entertainment, I always like to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the world.
Summing It Up
If I had to describe my experience at VirginLand in three words, they would be insightful, entertaining, and inspiring.