Caitlin McKinney interned with RE/MAX The Collective, developing her knowledge in property marketing, client relations, and the home buying process while working toward obtaining her broker license.
Why did you choose this internship?
I grew up surrounded by family and friends in the real estate community and turned on the HGTV channel every night from a young age, so working in real estate has always been a career goal of mine. This year, a major goal of mine was to gain experience within the real estate industry and build my brand and career. When the opportunity to intern at a brokerage firm in my hometown came to fruition, I knew this was the perfect timing for me to take a leap forward in my career journey.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
Throughout my internship, I assisted an agent within the office in a wide range of responsibilities required to be a successful realtor. I attended team meetings and client showings, organized transactional documents and marketing strategies, as well as cold calling prospective clients. I participated in preparing listings, helped create personalized closing gifts for clients, and gained hands-on experience in researching properties and community-centered projects while learning how to create my own brand and manage a professional network.
What new skills did you practice in this internship experience?
One of the biggest skills I developed during my internship was strong communication and practice taking initiative. I also learned organizational and technical skills by managing documents, creating marketing materials, and staying on top of real estate schedules. This experience strengthened my adaptability and ability to take ownership of independent and team projects.
What was the most satisfying part of your internship?
One of the most satisfying experiences was helping show homes to potential buyers. It was incredibly fulfilling to be a part of making someone’s dream of owning a home a reality. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to reflect on the agent-client relationships I aspire to build in my future career. These moments reminded me of why I am so passionate about real estate; not only for myself but for everyone involved in the process and the real human connection behind it.
What did you find most challenging about your internship? What did you learn about yourself from it?
The most challenging part was dealing with an inconsistent schedule and periods of slower business, which clashed with my Type A, routine-oriented personality. I found it draining at times to feel productive when plans shifted or communication was delayed. However, this challenge taught me the importance of flexibility in real estate and helped me embrace a growth mindset of practicing working in a fluctuating work pace and learning to find joy rather than anxiety and failure in downtime.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
As I think about my future, I am so glad I had this internship experience at such a young age to be able to build off of and strengthen my knowledge, skills, and goals in real estate. I have learned so much about the professional atmosphere I strive for and the location of continuing my journey as well. Staying in Arizona to pursue my license to develop my network away from my hometown has become clear which also opens the door to continue my work remotely during the school year. This experience gave me a clear sense of my values and aspirations both professional and personal.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
Don’t be afraid to take initiative, ask questions, and make mistakes. Be patient with yourself when things don’t go exactly as planned, and remember that growth often comes from moments where you have to react to the unexpected. You are not perfect and no one or nothing else is either; the imperfection is where we grow, and what is meant for you will come to you. Most importantly, choose an internship that aligns with your values and passions. If you love what you do it makes your learning experience that much more meaningful and impactful.