1st year Development Intern - Advice

The learning curve in development is the steepest in any facet of real estate. Between investment thesis generation, land use/entitlement, accounting oversight, underwriting, project/construction management, and even asset management/disposition (depending on the firm, you may even be involved through stabilization and ultimate sale/crystallization), one is forced to know all sides of real estate. My general sense is that almost everyone that come into the industry (especially those who lateral into the industry either with the MBA/prior relevant experience) are strong in potentially one to a handful of areas (ex bankers/equity research = strong in thesis and underwriting/finance, ex consultants = strong in process management, ex engineers/general contractors/sub contractors = strong knowledge of specific/holistic building systems).  

As someone who works in development/acquisitions and has overseen both undergraduate and graduate interns, the hard skills of excel, Argus, general understanding of real estate, etc. is helpful. However, especially as someone who is in undergrad, I would mention that the most successful interns and juniors are those who are aware enough to understand their strengths while being modest enough to embrace one's weaknesses. Often times, I've witnessed ego getting in the way, whether overstating underwriting/excel skills, blowing off/half hearted effort into requests that may seem trivial, a disproportionate amount of speaking vs. listening, etc. 

In my opinion those who really progress in development, are the ones who are willing to put in time and dedicate themselves to areas of growth/understanding and are innately curious. Go in with a humble disposition and treat every deliverable, regardless of your perspective towards it, as needing to be your top quality. Your senior will pick up on the hunger. That's all anyone wants to see in an intern.