Zarina Marquez interned with The Alder Group and gained skills in leadership, sales tactics, and negotiation.
How did you get your internship?
I got my internship through being well connected in the real estate industry. When I found out there was a chance to grow into a team leader role, I asked my supervisor about utilizing that opportunity to fulfill my internship requirement. She was super supportive and helped me turn my internship into a job that lined up with my Applied Humanities major.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because I wanted to learn how to be more than just a real estate agent. I’ve always liked helping people, and this gave me the chance to support others while also learning what it takes to lead a team. I also wanted to understand how a successful real estate team works behind the scenes. It was a great fit for me because it connected with the people and communication side of Applied Humanities.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
I supported agents with tasks like goal planning and solidifying systems. I followed up with clients and made sure our materials were updated. I learned about the back-end of the financial aspects of running a real estate team. I also joined team meetings where we talked about hiring and growing the team. One of the biggest things I did was host daily open houses for 30 days and bring in leads for the team.
What new skills did you build during your internship?
I learned how to better manage my time and lead with confidence. I got more comfortable checking in with others and making sure they had what they needed. I also improved my marketing skills, accountability skills, and my ability to problem-solve. These are all skills I’ll take with me no matter where I go.
What was the hardest part of your internship?
The hardest part was trying to balance everything at once. There were days I felt overwhelmed, especially when I had to hold others accountable to the workload but didn't fully feel like I was showing up enough for myself. But, it taught me how important it is to plan ahead and take care of myself too. I learned that asking for help and staying organized are going to be things I prioritize in the future.
What was your favorite part of the internship?
My favorite part was being able to help the team in ways that made a difference. Whether it was setting up personalized game plans or following up with clients, I liked knowing I was useful. It felt good to be someone people could count on. I realized leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s more about showing up for others.
How has this internship changed your future plans?
This internship made me sure that I want to pursue a full-time career in real estate. I’ve seen what it’s like to support a team, and I really enjoy that part. I want to eventually grow into a team leader myself. I feel more confident now in what I bring to the table as a real estate professional and future leader in the industry.