Get the Most out of your Real Estate Internship
Your real estate internship this summer is not about what you are going to learn, it’s about who you are going to meet.
“If there’s one thing I wish I had done when I was younger, [it] would be spending a lot more time networking and finding mentors in the industry,” said Jodie McLean, chief executive officer of EDENS, one of the nation’s leading owners, operators and developers of retail.
“Say yes to every opportunity, especially, I would say that to the women out there. Women tend to sit back a little bit and wait to be tapped on the shoulder. Don’t wait; jump in when you’re 65% ready,” continued McLean.
As we go through this lackluster period in the economy, it’s even more important that you stand out during your summer internship and maximize the opportunity.
In this eight-week period, you’ll soon realize that what matters most is the people with whom you will connect.
Here are the two biggest tips for you to succeed in your summer internship.
Maximize Networking during your Real Estate Internship
Many of the internships you are about to start will be programmed, meaning you’ll have a mentor, lunch n’ learns, site visits, projects, and final presentations, all scheduled in advance. If that’s the case, you are one of the lucky ones! The company just made it a lot easier for you to connect with the current employees at the company where you are interning.
If you’re starting an unprogrammed internship, you need to put in more effort to connect with current employees in order to maximize your opportunity.
Therefore, frequently connect with your hiring manager to demonstrate your interest in the organization and industry. Connect with other employees at the company by introducing yourself and asking them to meet and potentially shadow them.
Either way, it’s critical to be proactive and ask to go on site visits, meet clients, be on live phone calls, and underwrite deals for them.
This will help you build deeper relationships with the company’s people and culture and help you stand out as a hungry and curious intern.
Stay Organized with the People you Meet at your Real Estate Internship
It’s equally essential to stay organized with the people you meet during your internship and build relationships with them.
The individuals you meet can provide valuable opportunities, mentorship, and guidance in your career while you are still a student.
Furthermore, they will be people who hire you someday as you transition out of college into the workforce.
Our team has created a spreadsheet to help you keep track of the individuals you meet and remind you to follow up with them after your internship ends. You can download it here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making meaningful connections during your internship is just as important as the skills you will learn.
Use this opportunity to network, build relationships, and position yourself for success.
Are you looking to get a job in Commercial Real Estate? Sign up for Career Connections so we can match you with top companies that are looking to hire.
Frequently Asked Questions about Getting the Most Out of Your Real Estate Internship
Why is networking more important than learning technical skills during a real estate internship?
According to the post, “what matters most is the people with whom you will connect.” Building relationships and networking can open doors to future opportunities, mentorship, and even full-time jobs.
How should I approach networking during my internship?
You should proactively connect with your hiring manager and other employees. The post advises asking to go on site visits, meet clients, sit in on live calls, and underwrite deals. This shows you’re “a hungry and curious intern.”
What’s the difference between a programmed and unprogrammed internship?
A programmed internship includes pre-planned activities like mentors, lunch n’ learns, and presentations. An unprogrammed internship lacks structure, requiring you to take initiative to build connections and seek opportunities.
Why is staying organized with networking contacts important?
Staying organized helps you maintain relationships with professionals you meet. These individuals can later become mentors, references, or employers. The post even offers a spreadsheet to track and follow up with contacts.
What advice does Jodie McLean offer to interns, especially women?
Jodie McLean encourages interns to “say yes to every opportunity.” She especially urges women to “jump in when you’re 65% ready,” rather than waiting to be invited or fully prepared.
What tool does A.CRE offer to help interns stay organized with networking?
A.CRE provides a downloadable spreadsheet designed to help interns track people they meet and remind them to follow up after the internship ends.
How can Career Connections help me land a job after my internship?
Career Connections matches candidates with top commercial real estate companies looking to hire. Signing up can position you for post-internship job opportunities in the industry.
