Would a lease administration internship at a major tech company help with corporate real estate or real estate investing recruiting?
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some career advice. I recently received a Fall internship offer for a Lease Administration role at a major tech company.
I previously worked at a third party company supporting facilities operations for a FAANG. I also have technical real estate experience from a small real estate private equity firm, and most recently worked with one of the largest real estate developers.
I’m currently trying to decide whether I want to pursue the real estate investing path long term, such as acquisitions, asset management, development, or REPE, or whether I should lean more toward corporate real estate, especially at a large tech company.
My main question is: would a Lease Administration internship at a company of this caliber meaningfully help me break into corporate real estate at a FAANG or similar company later on? Also, if I decide to recruit full-time for investment/development roles instead, would this experience still be viewed as helpful, or would it be too administrative?
The main downside is that accepting the internship would likely require me to extend my graduation. I was originally supposed to graduate this Fall, and I have already delayed graduation by one semester. Because of that, I’m wondering whether it would be better to skip the internship and focus on full-time recruiting, or whether the brand name and corporate real estate exposure make it worth the delay.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
Corporate Real Estate Path: A Lease Administration internship at a major tech company can be a strong stepping stone for breaking into corporate real estate at a FAANG or similar company. Corporate real estate teams often manage lease portfolios, align lease terms, and oversee strategic decisions like consolidations or expansions. This internship would provide relevant exposure and demonstrate your ability to handle such responsibilities, especially at a high-caliber organization.
Real Estate Investing Path: While the internship might not directly align with investment-focused roles like acquisitions or REPE, it still adds value. The brand name of a major tech company and the exposure to real estate operations can enhance your resume. However, it may be perceived as more administrative compared to technical roles in private equity or development. If your goal is to pursue investment or development roles, you might need to supplement this experience with more technical or deal-oriented internships.
Graduation Delay Consideration: Extending graduation for this internship is a significant decision. If you’re leaning toward corporate real estate, the internship could be worth the delay due to its relevance and prestige. However, if your focus is on real estate investing, it might be better to prioritize full-time recruiting or seek internships more aligned with acquisitions, asset management, or development.
Alternative Strategy: If you decide to skip the internship, focus on networking and targeting full-time roles in your desired field. Networking is critical in real estate, as highlighted in WSO discussions, and can often outweigh specific internship experiences.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your long-term career goals. If you’re still undecided between corporate real estate and investing, the internship could provide clarity while adding a strong name to your resume. However, if you’re firmly set on real estate investing, consider whether the opportunity cost of delaying graduation aligns with your priorities.
Sources: Q&A: Real Estate Analyst/Associate, Career Path in Commercial Real Estate, Q&A: Non-Target State School with 3.1 GPA to REPE Acquisitions in Major Market, Collegiate Real Estate Network | Summer Internship Supplement Series, What should go on my resume and cover letter in my circumstance for internship applications (RE specific)
Why not take the internship and apply for jobs at the same time? Better than graduating with no job?
It will help for faang corporate re, maybe asset management. Would not help for acquisitions or PE but just reading your post I would stick try and go the corporate RE path. Pays great and nowhere near as competitive as getting a decent acq or REPE seat
Beatae possimus consequatur quaerat minus minus. Deserunt tempora laboriosam tempore architecto laudantium voluptate debitis. Molestias ut odio consectetur soluta odio ut.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...