Project Destined

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

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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Commercial Real Estate Intern

May - August 2022 • Washington, DC

What I liked

My experience as an Intern, current Ambassador, and Program Lead at Project Destined was monumental. It’s like Shark Tank, so our team (Brookfield Properties D.C.) of about 15 students pitched a fictional property to professionals in the real estate industry in order to get them to invest in it through competitions. My team was actually Division Champions, and we made it to 3rd place in the National Competition out of about 20 total sponsored teams. Because of Project Destined, I updated my resume, I used to barely have any experiences, but now I don’t have enough space on the page! I realized the power of LinkedIn, I connected with random professionals in all types of industries. I got experience in corporate outreach and market research, I would contact real estate executives from companies and organizations to partner with Project Destined. I did this because I wanted to grow and expand the program. I completed a master class on Financial Modeling, where we built a pro forma, and I’m doing many other Bridge Programs as well. Personally, before I did the internship, I knew absolutely nothing about real estate. Now, I am extremely interested in it, and will have a career in affordable housing. In 2022, I was a staff member as a Communications Manager. Moreover, I completed Project Destined's Affordable Housing Development Program, as well as the CBRE HBCU Bridge Program, among many others, all of which students receive stipends. Also, I became a Co-Lead for that same CBRE Program in 2023, where we led 40+ Fellows from 15+ HBCUs. We have had multiple Student Ambassador pep rallies, where we discuss the many methods of reaching out to students to apply for the upcoming cohorts. Project Destined started with 15 students in Detroit, led by CEO & Co-Founder, Cedric Bobo. Now, we have impacted over 5,000 students worldwide and still growing!

What I wish was different

Advice

Perseverance. Attention to detail. Do not give up. If the team does not get placed high in the competitions, you can still come back and end up winning Nationals.

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Program Manager

August - December 2021 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

Project destined is a transformative experience that could be life changing for someone looking to go into the real estate field, from the knowledge they teach you to the mentors and opportunities that the internship comes with is unmatched.

What I wish was different

Advice

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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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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 analyst

August 2022 - April 2023 • Los Angeles, CA

What I liked

One of the best place to start off your commercial real estate career in terms of opportunities and community. After I finished my internship at Project Destined, I was able to learn the fundamentals of the industry through deal financing, property pitching & lastly values add strategy for the investors. I really like the program in term of how organize it is, specifically the internal operations.

What I wish was different

I thought Project Destined has done everything right and I really enjoyed the program. I'm planning to come back and continue to contribute to the community and the program.

Advice

.- Take the internship seriously because Project Destined could open many doors for you - Take a lot of notes - Take initiative in every task and show your PM and Cedric that you're the real deal - Maintain your relationship with everyone from Project Destined, mentors and always try to give back in some way after you graduate from Project Destine

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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

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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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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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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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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Affordable housing Bridge Program Powered by Project Destined.

March - April 2023 • Los Angeles, CA

What I liked

Before this program I didn’t know how the affordable housing system operated. In this program I was able to receive an abundance of information weekly from people directly in the industry. I was also able to join an affordable housing site tour where I saw everything in real life for the first time. This was truly an incredible experience that really opened my eyes to the affordable housing industry.

What I wish was different

I truly believe the formatting of this program was very organized and well articulated. There is nothing I would change.

Advice

One piece of advice I would offer is to ask questions! You never know what you might learn. Making connections with people in the industry is crucial for success.

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Commercial Real Estate Intern

January - April 2023 • Minneapolis, MN

What I liked

Project Destined was a great experience that helped me transition into the real estate industry. It helped me connect with executives from top industry firms, connect with them, and learn from their experiences. It also gave me the opportunity to participate in other Bridge Programs powered by Project Destined. I also gained access to various job opportunities through Project Destined networks.

What I wish was different

Advice

Project Destined is a great opportunity if you take a full advantage of it.

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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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Commercial Real Estate Intern

January 2022 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Project Destined is the best internship any student looking to learn more about commercial real estate could have. Project Destined sets students up for success to decide if a path in the commercial real estate field is a right fit for them. Project Destined connects you with key leaders in the industry such as JLL, CBRE, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Northmarq, Walker & Dunlop and many more.

What I wish was different

I wouldn't change anything I wouldn't be where am today without Project Destined. They truly set you up for success and want to see you succeed.

Advice

Be a sponge to the program take in as much knowledge as possible so you are able to accurately decide if this is the career for you within commercial real estate . Project Destined will help you build your network and your network is your net worth I like to say.

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Program Manager

January 2022 - April 2023 • Phoenix, AZ

What I liked

I enjoyed the wide variety of opportunities created by Project Destined. As a program manager, I had the opportunity to help lead a team of interns. Because of this experience, I gained a vast professional network consisting of commercial real estate industry leaders and students from across the U.S. I appreciate how much though and effort is put into ensuring this program runs smoothly and how much effort is put into creating new opportunities for its interns and Program Managers.

What I wish was different

I wish Program Managers were given additional opportunities to learn more about commercial real estate after completing their internship.

Advice

Never be afraid to stand out and ask questions. Asking questions and learning is extremely important in commercial real estate.

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Real Estate Manager Intern

August - December 2022 • Minneapolis, MN

What I liked

One of the things I like most about my internship with Project Destined is the opportunity to learn about real estate investing in a hands-on and practical way. The program's emphasis on real-world experience has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and its nuances, as well as develop valuable skills that will be useful throughout my career. In addition to the focus on real estate, I also appreciate the wide range of resources and opportunities that Project Destined provides to help interns succeed. From financial modeling courses to boot camps and executive speaker series, the program offers a wealth of resources that can help interns develop their skills and build their professional networks. Ultimately, I believe that Project Destined has the potential to be a game-changer for anyone who is interested in real estate investing. If you take advantage of all the opportunities that the program provides, you can gain the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to achieve your goals and build a successful career in the industry.

What I wish was different

When reflecting on my internship experience with Project Destined, there is one thing that I wish had been different. Looking back, I regret not taking full advantage of the networking opportunities that were available through the program's executive speaker series. During my time with Project Destined, I had the chance to hear from a number of high-level executives who had achieved great success in the real estate industry. These speakers offered valuable insights and perspectives on the industry, and I know that connecting with them could have been a valuable way to expand my professional network and gain exposure to new opportunities.

Advice

One piece of advice that I would share with others is to take full advantage of all the opportunities that the program has to offer. Project Destined is a comprehensive internship program that is designed to provide interns with a wide range of resources and experiences to help them develop their skills and build their professional networks. From financial modeling courses to executive speaker series to real-world investment experience, the program offers a wealth of opportunities that can be incredibly valuable for interns who are looking to grow their careers in the real estate industry. In my own experience, I found that the more I engaged with the program and took advantage of the opportunities that were available, the more I was able to gain from my internship experience. Whether it was participating in case studies, attending networking events, or seeking out mentorship from experienced professionals, I found that every aspect of the program offered a chance to learn something new and connect with others who shared my passion for real estate. So, my advice to anyone who is considering an internship with Project Destined is to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to engage fully with the program. By taking advantage of all the opportunities that are available, you can gain valuable skills and insights that will help you build a successful career in real estate, while also making connections and building relationships that could benefit you for years to come.

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Program Manager

December 2022 - April 2023 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

Really enjoyable experience. You get the opportunity to not only develop as a leader when you are a PM, but you also get to understand new markets when you work with people in other schools. This opportunity has largely developed lots of the skills I have today.