Bennett Cohen's internship with City and Urban International provided hands-on business experience during his study abroad in London, strengthening his communication, research, and problem-solving skills.
Why did you choose this particular internship?
I chose my internship with City and Urban International (CUI) because I wanted hands-on experience in the real estate industry while having the opportunity to work in London. Working internationally gave me the chance to experience a major global business and real estate market. I wanted to learn how professionals spend their day meeting with clients, managing properties, and closing deals. The experience helped me prepare my own skillset with the goal of pursuing a career in commercial real estate.
Was there anything unique about your situation that influenced your internship selection?
One of the most unique parts of my internship was having the opportunity to live and work in London for the summer. Moving to another country pushed me outside my comfort zone and required me to become more independent and adaptable. Being surrounded by London's business environment also exposed me to a different market and professional culture. This made the internship more valuable than simply gaining work experience.
What new knowledge and skills did you practice and develop in this internship?
During my internship, I developed a much stronger understanding of the real estate industry and how properties are evaluated. I gained experience researching properties, reviewing market information, and understanding factors such as property value, location, zoning, and potential uses. I also learned more about working with clients, visiting properties in the field, and seeing how real estate professionals approach different opportunities. These experiences strengthened both my analytical and communication skills and gave me a better understanding of what a career in real estate looks like.
How do you hope to build on the skills that you have learned this summer?
I hope to build on these skills by continuing to gain experience in commercial real estate and learning more about property and market analysis. I want to become more comfortable evaluating opportunities and communicating information to clients and other professionals. My experience in London also taught me to be adaptable and comfortable in unfamiliar situations. I hope to bring that confidence into my future career.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
My Applied Humanities degree emphasizes communication, critical thinking, and understanding people from different perspectives as it applies to business. My internship allowed me to apply these skills in a professional environment while living in another country and in one of the biggest and most diverse cities in the world. Working in London gave me a better understanding of how culture and communication can influence business relationships. These experiences are relevant to commercial real estate, where relationships and understanding different clients and markets are extremely important.
What was the most significant contribution you made?
My most significant contribution was bringing positive energy and a strong willingness to learn every day. I had the opportunity to go out into the field, visit different properties, and see how the business operated outside of the office. I also met and interacted with clients, which helped me understand the importance of communication and building strong relationships in real estate. These experiences allowed me to contribute to the team while developing skills that will be valuable in my future career.
What is the impact of your internship experience?
My internship had a major impact on both my professional and personal development. Living and working in London made me more independent, adaptable, and confident in unfamiliar environments. Professionally, the experience strengthened my interest in commercial real estate and gave me skills that I can carry into my future career. Overall, the summer gave me a broader perspective on business and helped me become more prepared for life after college.