Commercial Real Estate Intern Review

During my four-week internship at CBRE, I completed two rotations. I spent the first two weeks within the EMEA Logistics and Industrial Capital Markets team, where I supported the preparation of pricing files and financial models, reviewed market information and attended team meetings to gain insight into live transactions and investment decision-making. I then spent two weeks within Loan Services, assisting with statement trackers and a range of general loan servicing tasks relating to real estate assets.
Alongside my team rotations, I worked with a group of interns to develop an investment proposal. This involved researching different property sectors, assessing potential investment opportunities, agreeing on a strategy and preparing a final presentation. The role gave me practical exposure to both real estate investment and loan servicing, while developing my Excel, financial analysis, communication and teamwork skills.

Yes, I was given meaningful responsibility throughout the internship. Within Capital Markets, I contributed to pricing files and financial models that required accuracy, attention to detail and an understanding of the information being analysed. In Loan Services, I was trusted to update statement trackers and support day-to-day servicing tasks independently while asking questions when clarification was needed.
The investment proposal also gave me responsibility for contributing research, developing recommendations and working collaboratively towards a final presentation. Although support was always available, I was encouraged to take ownership of my work, manage deadlines and contribute actively during meetings and group discussions.

I developed my Excel skills significantly during the internship, particularly through building and updating pricing files, working with financial models and managing statement trackers. This improved my confidence with formulas, organising large amounts of data, checking accuracy and presenting information clearly. I also developed a stronger understanding of real estate financial analysis, capital markets and loan servicing processes.
Alongside these technical skills, I improved my communication, teamwork and presentation abilities by attending meetings, asking questions, working with different teams and collaborating with other interns on an investment proposal. The experience also strengthened my time management, attention to detail and confidence in completing unfamiliar tasks independently.

I received a high level of support and guidance throughout the internship. My line managers, hiring team and wider teams were approachable, patient and willing to explain unfamiliar tasks in detail. I was encouraged to ask questions, attend meetings and take ownership of my work, while still having support available whenever I needed clarification.
The guidance I received helped me build confidence in using Excel, working with financial models and pricing files, and understanding capital markets and loan servicing processes. Regular feedback also helped me improve the accuracy and quality of my work. Overall, I felt well supported across both rotations and was given a strong balance of independence and guidance.

The company culture was extremely positive, welcoming and collaborative. From the beginning, I felt comfortable asking questions, speaking with colleagues at different levels and contributing to discussions. Everyone I worked with was approachable and willing to share their knowledge, which created an encouraging environment for learning and development.
The culture strongly reflected CBRE’s RISE values. Respect was shown through open communication and consideration for different perspectives, while integrity and excellence were evident in the high standards expected across each team. The focus on service was also clear in the way colleagues approached client work and supported one another. I was also encouraged to connect with people across different teams and areas of the business, which gave me a broader understanding of CBRE’s sectors and how the different functions work together. Overall, the atmosphere was inclusive, professional and supportive, and I felt valued throughout the internship.

I enjoyed my internship extensively as it was an overall very structured, positive and productive experience. Everyone was so helpful and kind and events were organised to help us get to know other interns, which was extremely enjoyable.

Yes