Day in the Life: Development Associate at U.S. Development Firm
Frequently Asked Questions about the Day in the Life of a Development Associate at a U.S. Development Firm
What does a typical day look like for a Development Associate?
Vicky Lee described it as highly dynamic: “The day to day can be a lot, it takes the right person. It’s not the same every day.” Development Associates assist in coordinating design, entitlements, budgeting, and construction across multiple phases of a project.
Which phases of the development process is a Development Associate involved in?
According to Vicky, there are seven phases:
Consideration
Pursuit
Purchase, Sale, and Due Diligence
Construction
Operations
Disposition
Development Associates support the VP/Principal throughout these stages, often owning details like design iterations and due diligence.
What technical skills are most important for this role?
Being able to “sift through all the market data” is critical. Associates are expected to understand site analysis, market comps, financial modeling, and construction schedules.
Are soft skills important for a Development Associate?
Yes. As Vicky emphasized, “Most people don’t recognize soft skills… Be able to communicate clearly, sell, and read the person you are speaking with.” Development requires cross-functional collaboration, negotiation, and presentation.
How does someone transition into this role from architecture or construction?
Vicky noted: “Going from design and architecture to ownership… If you hire smart people, they can learn the finance side.” She recommends gaining business knowledge, either through a degree or programs like the A.CRE Accelerator.
Is a business background necessary to be successful?
While not required, it’s highly beneficial. Vicky shared, “Because I was so focused on architecture, I didn’t have a drop of a business background… The business background provides another opportunity.” Many Associates come from non-finance fields but upskill into the role.
What are common challenges Development Associates face?
The fast pace and variety of tasks can be overwhelming. Associates must balance detail-oriented work with broader project goals and adapt quickly as project timelines or scopes change.
What is the work-life balance like in this role?
According to Vicky Lee: “Very rarely would you have to work nights or weekends.” While deadlines and construction milestones can cause occasional stress, development roles can offer reasonable balance.
What kind of projects might a Development Associate work on?
As an example, Vicky mentioned the Atworth project — “a 260-unit rental unit… a combination of residential and retail/restaurant.” Development Associates work on projects ranging from multifamily to mixed-use to commercial.
