Project Destined

Program Manager

June 2022 • Toronto, Ontario

What I liked

Project Destined is an unparalleled experience that provides youth from diverse backgrounds with opportunities and resources to attain a career in the commercial real estate industry. By attending engaging lectures, collaborating in teams to develop an investment pitch presentation, and actively participating in sessions with industry professionals, Project Destined interns are equipped with the network and skills necessary to succeed. I particularly enjoy how the program is project-based. Students are able to put the knowledge they learn through lectures and speaker sessions into play when developing their investment pitch decks & presentations. This makes the internship much more engaging as interns emerge from the program with a detailed piece of work to show to potential employers, as well as live presentation experience!

What I wish was different

I wish I had taken advantage of the various bridge programs Project Destined offers to interns and Program Managers. These additional programs enable students to further explore different areas within commercial real estate (ie. affordable housing, investment management) and connect with executives/sponsoring companies that are leaders within these areas.

Advice

I would strongly encourage all students to apply to the Project Destined internship! My best advice would be to fully immerse yourself into the program by actively participating in all required activities, as well as bridge programs, financial modelling classes, office hours, speaker sessions, etc. Also, be sure to spend time on your own engaging with the material and be prepared to attend sessions with a foundational understanding, questions, and a strong willingness to learn!

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Program Manager

May 2021 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

The opportunity has led me to grow my network in real estate. Throughout my time with Project Destined, I was able to work with properties all around the U.S. including London while I studied abroad.

What I wish was different

Project Destined is always changing in order to keep up the excellence it showcases which can make it hard to keep up every semester, but once you get ahold of it. It becomes easier to manage.

Advice

Reach out to everyone, this is the prime way to grow your network.

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Project Manager

January - April 2023 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I liked that I was able to further develop my skills in commercial real estate, and I got to network with a lot of professionals in my field of interest.

What I wish was different

I wish we would have had more support when we went into the deal financing rotation.

Advice

Don't give up. It will be hard, and you will feel like you can't do it, but just try your best and work hard, and once you get to the finish line, you will feel very proud of yourself!

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Program Manager

January - April 2023 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Great support and experience

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

Go in with an open mind and ready to learn a lot.

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Program Manager

January - April 2023 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I was previously an intern back in the Fall of 2022 before returning as a Program Manager during Spring of 2023. To say Project Destined is just simply an internship is an understatement - the program encompasses a large range of opportunities including but not limited to executive speaker series, financial modeling training, scholarships, bridge programs, special projects, talent acquisitions studies, mentor office hours and office visits. Whatever your background is, Project Destined is the #1 program when it comes to breaking into commercial real estate - with the support of an inclusive and hard-working community as well as a dedicated staff member base, PD provided me an amazing experience both as an intern and a team leader. It has provided me with great opportunities that I wouldn't have had access to otherwise and I can't thank everyone who spend their days refining and bettering Project Destined enough.

What I wish was different

I wish I took more advantage of connecting with my intern class (when I was an intern) and learning more about everyone's story, especially those located in my area. Although I have built amazing friendships with other Project Destined student in Southern California, more is always merrier.

Advice

I would say to come ready to learn - Project Destined is all about having a great attitude, a strong will to expand your knowledge and a dedication to detailed work. I believe that if these three criteria are met, you will stand out as an intern and thus will get as much from the experience as the amount of work you have put in.

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Program Manager

January - April 2023 • Washington, DC

What I liked

My Co-Program Manager, interns, and mentors made the overall program enjoyable. The interns were always proactive and eager to learn each session by expressing their thoughts regarding how the team should present their investment strategy. Also, learning from the mentors about how they look at their deals was a great way to understand and apply new concepts.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Program Manager

January - April 2023 • Dallas, TX

What I liked

Project Destined has been an incredible resource in my career. I liked that Project Destined's internship program is split up into rotations, making it easy for interns to learn week by week and build up their knowledge. Prior knowledge about Commercial Real Estate isn't needed and the program does a tremendous job of teaching interns the essentials needed in the industry. Aside from the knowledge gained and applying what they've learned to compete in pitch competitions, the networking opportunities through executive speakers and mentors are wonderful.

What I wish was different

Advice

You get out what you put into the program. You will be presented with many opportunities, but it's up to you to take advantage of them. This can extend beyond hearing executive speakers speak or meeting with mentors to discuss pitch decks, it's encouraged to connect with all of them and make them a permanent part of your network. Putting a lot of effort into pitch decks and really understanding a property can make what you learn stick and can really increase your passion for the industry.

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Program Manager

June 2022 • Irvine, CA

What I liked

Great experience for expanding your professional network and gaining introductory knowledge to the CRE industry. Working at Project Destined has helped me develop my leadership skills and has prepared me for the CRE workforce.

What I wish was different

The management can sometimes be slower to respond due to the structure of the organization.

Advice

Definitely be proactive in asking questions and taking advantage of the exposure to industry professionals to build your professional network.

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Program Manager

February - April 2023 • Los Angeles, CA

What I liked

Project Destined is a special platform. I really am grateful and enjoy that Project Destined allows students like you and I to build a wide variety of network in the Commercial Real Estate Industry. Meeting many professionals, learning from there experiences, and most importantly getting the chance to meet a diverse group of students that have the same interest as you. On top of that Project Destined offers training for technical, verbal, and professional training to prepare students for the Commercial Real Estate industry.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

Joining Project Destined should never be taken as one time opportunity but a platform that keeps you in the loop of the Commercial Real Estate Industry. Offering many fellowships and bridge programs sponsored by a list of firms, banks, etc. I highly recommend Project Destined to all students who desire to pursue a career in Commercial Real Estate.

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Program Manager

January - April 2023 • Philadelphia, PA

What I liked

As a team, we worked with mentors from one real estate firm who guided the team as interns put together a presentation deck and prepare for a pitch. I also like the experience of working with my amazing co-PM and many talented interns from different universities/colleges who all share similar interests in commercial real estate. It was absolutely an amazing experience to lead a team and witness the growth of interns on the team while also building/enhancing my own skills.

What I wish was different

I wish we could have more events similar to executive speaker sessions where we hear professionals from real estate firms talk about their stories, career paths, and advice for current college students looking to enter the industry.

Advice

Don't be hesitant to reach out if you have questions because you have a great Project Destined staff team that will support and provide you with all the resources needed to become a successful program manager.

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Program Manager

April 2021 • Tallahassee, FL

What I liked

Project Destined is a supportive environment that allows individuals to explore the world of real estate and uplifts them to grow in their everyday lives.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Program Manager

August 2022 • Atlanta, GA

What I liked

I like the amount of resources I have been provided. The support from my team as well as the amazing network I have built. I got to work with amazing interns and provided them with the resources available to me and learned a lot in the process as a leader.

What I wish was different

I believe everything is great about Project Destined. The interview process might be somehow the only thing I wish Program Managers could be involved in.

Advice

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Program Manager

February - April 2023 • Oakland, CA

What I liked

You are able to network with professional in the industry, fellow students interested in real estate, and learn more about Commercial Real Estate from professionals in the industry and by working on a live deal. Lastly, you are able to be part of amazing bridge programs which gives you insights into specific sectors within real estate.

What I wish was different

I think the internship was great and I have no complaints

Advice

The more you put into the internship the more you get out of it.

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Commercial Real Estate Intern

June - July 2022 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

It was a great introduction to real estate and gave me immense exposure to real estate industry leaders, mentors, and students, and as a result, I feel I have broadened and strengthened my soft and technical skills. Project Destined has been a truly impactful experience.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Real Estate Intern

April - August 2022 • Charlotte, NC

What I liked

I loved the resources and networks we were able to tap into through the company. The insight given on commercial real estate was invaluable and they still continue to serve us til this day.

What I wish was different

I wish there were more people of color hosting the different classes and events as well as women.

Advice

Becoming a sponge and knowing what to absorb is how you maximize the opportunities presented throughout the program.

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Commercial real estate intern

August 2022 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The environment

What I wish was different

It was in person

Advice

Make sure you take out the time necessary for this intership!

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Commercial Real Estate Intern

May - August 2022 • Los Angeles, CA

What I liked

Learning a new field that I haven't gone into before. It was a rotational experience where we learned about all the aspects of Real Estate.

What I wish was different

I wish it was more in person and meeting the group. That way we can build a better connection or performance as a team.

Advice

It was a great way to dip your toes in the Commercial Real Estate industry.

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Analyst Intern

June - August 2022 • Atlanta, GA

What I liked

The program opened me up to a strong network of professionals in the commercial real estate world which was great. I was flown out to the Jamestown office in Atlanta and got to meet the team there which was also a super meaningful experience.

What I wish was different

I wish it was a full time internship with even more connection the the firm I was working under.

Advice

If you decide to apply, I would put heavy emphasis on not just doing the motions if accepted but networking and reaching out to all speakers to build relationships in the industry.

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Commercial Real Estate Intern

June 2022 • Los Angeles, CA

What I liked

I really liked the interactive ways in which students were exposed to learn about the real estate field. We completed interactive canva assignments, attended guest speakers talks.

What I wish was different

I wish the program was done in person.

Advice

Overall great program! Students get to learn a lot about the real estate field and finances.

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Commercial Real Estate Intern

May 2022 • Los Angeles, CA

What I liked

I enjoyed being able to be exposed to real estate fundamentals, along with the process of what acquiring real estate is like through live deal competitions. Through these competitions, I was able to apply the skills and tools we were taught as interns to an actual situation. Project Destined has allowed me to network with others who are knowledgeable about the commercial real estate industry. I have found the Executive Speakers Series and the connection we have managed to build with the mentors assigned to our teams beneficial being that I get to learn from others who possess greater knowledge about this career field.

What I wish was different

Advice

One piece of advice I would give to future interns would be to ensure they are communicative with their team in order to be successful. I would say you have to be dedicated to learning and improving from your mistakes throughout the internship. Lastly, manage your time wisely and ensure that you can show up for yourself and for those on your team. Make sure you take advantage of this learning opportunity and the resources provided to you as you learn from professionals.

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