Emma Hosking interned with Keller Williams Realty in Contra Costa County, California.
Why did you choose this internship?
The internship I had this past summer of 2025 was an internship in residential real estate. I chose this internship because I wanted to educate myself and investigate roles in the real estate industry before entering the full time job market. Internships can help you learn different ideas and confirm perceptions behind what the real estate industry is like. I chose this specific internship because it was not with a larger corporate entity, so it provided more flexibility and first-hand experience so I knew I could truly enjoy it.
What new knowledge did you take away from this experience?
I learned how to approach negotiations. When meeting with a buyers’ agent to observe and understand the processes of residential real estate, it was important for me to note everything and keep an open mind to what may be presented in the conversation. Since this is my first internship, I noticed that I became vastly more responsible and level-headed when joining these conversations. I also learned how demonstrating good time management and being punctual in your responses is always going to give you leverage in negotiations.
What is the impact of your internship experience?
The impact of my internship was a serious boost in motivation and ambition to keep climbing the ladder. I learned how to adapt within the vastly changing real estate market, as well as how to successfully list and write up offers on properties. This knowledge showed me the doors that I could open if I got my real estate license. I feel more motivated to keep growing and learning about both commercial and residential real estate!
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
I am planning to be in Los Angeles for the upcoming summer and hope to attain another internship within a real estate development branch or company! This was previously my plan for this past summer, however some things changed. This internship showed me my strengths and weaknesses when working within a team. For my next internship or work experience, I am more motivated to uncover and understand my skills and strengths in more depth and to continue to gain more advanced real estate industry knowledge.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for their internship?
The biggest piece of advice is reminding yourself that this should be fun and as well as sparking something within you. Internships are for understanding what you enjoy (or don't enjoy) in the work world.