Aydia Carmosino sharpened her research, communication, and analytical skills as a commercial real estate intern.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose an internship related to real estate because this is the industry I want to pursue after graduation so I knew the experience would be valuable. I have always been interested in the factors that commercial businesses consider when determining locations, and this opportunity would allow me to learn more about those strategic processes and negotiations. I also previously participated in a consulting internship and learned various marketing techniques that could be implemented in both fields.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
I learned about different types of lease agreements and negotiations for different companies. I was also required to research locations that would profit from certain types of businesses. For example, I might research a location for an automotive industry that would profit very well in an upper Tucson neighborhood. This was an insightful experience and showed me how valuable this type of information is in securing the financial benefits of commercial real estate.
What new skills did you gain from this internship?
The transferable skills I gained in this experience was my communication and analytical skills. I had to call different firms on the phone and ask for their brokerage list as well as their mission, which was something I was not initially comfortable with. I did almost an hour of prep for my first call just to have the person respond with “okay have a nice day” two seconds after me asking. Eventually I got more comfortable making those calls and needed less preparation. In addition to that, having to work with my supervisors who both have over 20 years’ experience was initially nerve wracking, but I realized I could demonstrate my willingness to learn as a strength and took this experience as an opportunity to learn as much as I can.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
One challenge with my internship was trying to understand leasing agreements and all of the conditions that need to be applied in order to accept an offer. The terms of the agreement need to be exact and specific, to the point where every financial detail needs to be expressed or requested, or else it won’t be considered. If a client were to not address a compensation agreement, they wouldn’t have any legal right to argue against the seller not giving them any. Since these agreements have such high stakes, I had to be very detail-oriented and aware of the terms and conditions.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
I’ve continued to develop my interest in real estate and I hope to study for the real estate licensure exam and obtain my license over the summer. I know that real estate is a great source of investment income, and it gave me more insight into how to evaluate areas for potential investments. Using strategy in my work is one of my essential work values because it’s something I personally enjoy and participating in this internship made me realize that I need that aspect in my work to excel in my career.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for their internship?
Even though it’s important to pursue an internship that relates to your degree, don’t be afraid to explore different things and give yourself a chance to pursue different opportunities as they come up. I was never sure about my career path, and I still have doubts, but trying different things will open your mind up to what you want out of any job