Creating an internship program, advice needed

Based on previous WSO threads, here are some detailed suggestions for structuring a rotational internship program for a developer/operator with acquisitions, development, and finance/capital teams:

Structure of the Internship Program:

1. Rotation Schedule:

   • Duration: 10-12 weeks, with 3-4 weeks spent in each team.
   • Teams: Acquisitions, Development, Finance/Capital.

2. Onboarding and Training:

   • Week 1: General orientation, company overview, and compliance training.
   • Week 2: Introduction to all three teams, basic training on tools and software used.

3. Team-Specific Tasks:

   • Acquisitions Team:
     • Underwriting deals.
     • Market research and analysis.
     • Assisting with due diligence.
   • Development Team:
     • Managing documentation for the development process.
     • Reading architectural drawings.
     • Attending site walks and broker meetings.
     • Handling basic RFI's from the GC.
   • Finance/Capital Team:
     • Financial modeling and analysis.
     • Preparing investment memos.
     • Assisting with capital raising activities.

4. Mentorship and Feedback:

   • Assign a mentor from each team to guide the intern.
   • Regular feedback sessions to track progress and provide guidance.

Skills to Focus On:

• Technical Skills:
  • Financial modeling (Excel).
  • Understanding of real estate market dynamics.
  • Basic architectural and construction knowledge.
• Soft Skills:
  • Effective communication.
  • Time management.
  • Team collaboration.

Additional Activities:

• Workshops and Seminars:
  • Weekly workshops on industry trends and best practices.
  • Guest lectures from senior executives and industry experts.
• Networking Opportunities:
  • Networking events with other interns and company employees.
  • Opportunities to attend industry conferences and seminars.

Evaluation and Feedback:

• Mid-Internship Review:
  • Formal review at the halfway point to assess performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Final Presentation:
  • Interns present a project or case study they worked on during their rotation to senior management.

By implementing these elements, the internship program can provide a comprehensive learning experience, making it attractive to college students and beneficial for the company.

Sources: If you were to design a development internship program, how would you structure it?, How should I prepare to be a good intern?, Week 1 of IBD Internship: Training, What to ask a former intern about the internship?, nervous about S&T internship beginning in a few weeks - how to calm my t*ts?