Spring Intern or Network

Hi guys, I recently decided to pursue CRE and am now trying to decide what's the best option for me. I got an offer for the spring at a 3rd tier/super tiny brokerage firm that is mostly focused on class b and c office space. I currently have no real estate experience other than some school programs, so I am debating whether I should take the brokerage offer or just spend that time networking for summer. I definitely don't want to do brokerage, but I feel like the internship would be a good boost to my resume.

What are your thoughts?

7 Comments
 

My first real estate job was in a 2 person (60+ yr old) local appraisal firm in a crap area. It set the foundation for all my next career steps.

Small appraisal internship -> small REPE internship (x2) -> REPE MF

I would take the brokerage internship. If you can, find a more investment oriented role. Also, who said you couldn't network while working the internship?

 
Most Helpful

Take the small brokerage shop role and work hard for the guys giving you your first shot. The best advice I can give is what my first boss told me: ask a question only if google can't fully explain it. That said, it's not a hard and fast rule, so don't be afraid to ask them questions on anything they give you, but make sure you try to find answers for yourself first.

The best thing you can do is ask to tap into their network once you have built a rep for yourself / have that trust. At the same time, leverage the hell out of that student email address and hit up everyone you can find on linkedin (target your alumni base first) to set up informational interviews. Build relationships with them and make sure you show you value their time. You're early in your career...the best thing you can do is have people to make a call to get you to the top of the resume stack.

 

This isn't an either or question. Take the internship and spent your down time (like lunch) networking. The internship will be something to put on your resume and talk about with the people you'll meet.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

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