With the real estate market booming in recent years, real estate investment internships have become increasingly popular among college students looking to gain experience in this lucrative industry. As competition intensifies, applicants need to stand out with stellar academics, relevant extracurriculars, and strong technical skills. Networking is also key to discovery top real estate investment internship opportunities for 2023 and 2024. By researching firms, attending info sessions, and reaching out to alumni, students can get a foot in the door at leading real estate investment companies and private equity funds.
Top real estate investment firms are expanding internship programs
The real estate investment landscape is seeing explosive growth, with major players like Blackstone, Brookfield, Starwood Capital, and TPG Real Estate boosting hiring. According to High Fliers Research, real estate and property internships in the UK will rise 16% in 2023. In the US, new real estate tech unicorns like Cadre and Pacaso are also recruiting campus talent. To stand out, students should highlight coursework, case competitions, and skills like financial modeling, valuations, market analysis, and Argus certifications.
Networking events and diversity programs enable access
Cold applications to real estate investment internships can be a black hole. Networking is vital. Attend university-hosted firm info sessions, real estate club speaker events, conferences like RECon and ICSC, and diversity programs like SREF and Project Destined. Introduce yourself to reps and discuss learning opportunities. Consider a cold but personalized email follow up to stay top of mind.
Early application timelines demand preparation
While application deadlines span fall through spring, preparation must start early. Landmark real estate firms now recruit 1-2 years out, while competitive real estate tech startups make decisions 6-9 months ahead. Develop tailored resumes spotlighting valued hard skills. Reach out to firm insiders for tips. Complete relevant online courses in financial modeling or real estate fundamentals to demonstrate interest.
Typical real estate internship timelines and experiences
Real estate investment internship timelines usually run 8-12 weeks over the summer for analysts, associates, VP-track, and other roles. Top tier programs offer mentorship, deal exposure, client meetings, property tours, and modules rotating through acquisition, asset management, and capital raising groups. Deliverables involve market research, financial models, investment memos, and pitchbooks. Performance can lead to full-time offers, like 90% return offers at The Blackstone Group.
In an increasingly competitive real estate investment environment, networking early and often while developing technical skills are key to securing a top real estate internship. Students should utilize conferences, clubs, info sessions and diversity programs to connect with firms 1-2 years before recruiting. Obtaining a real estate investment internship takes advance planning but opens doors to lucrative full time positions.