IREM Blog

Diving into Commercial Real Estate: My experience with CoStar Group’s market research internship

Written by Bailey Jacque | Nov 14, 2024 6:00:00 AM
This summer, one of our managers gave us some unexpected advice: we could all be beach bums after graduation. While it wasn’t exactly conventional career guidance, it ended up being the most memorable advice I received.

This information led me to reflect on what truly makes a company great for its employees; great companies have managers and mentors who not only support your personal goals, but also recognize you’ll return with renewed enthusiasm and a drive for success.

About me

My name is Bailey Jacque, and I’m in my fourth and final year at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. I’m pursuing a double major in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management, and real estate property management, with plans to graduate in Spring 2025.

How this opportunity happened

My summer internship at CoStar Group, a leading global provider of commercial and residential real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces, took place in Richmond, Virginia. I worked as a Market Research Consultant intern, a role that perfectly blended my passion for hospitality and real estate.

I discovered this opportunity through the Wisconsin Hotel Lodging Association, where I serve as the Student Board representative. At their conference, STR (Smith Travel Research), a CoStar Group company, presented, and I realized I had a chance to work for a company that aligns with my interests.

Here’s a summary of my key tasks and acquired skills

  • Verified commercial real estate availability
  • Analyzed trend data in commercial real estate
  • Researched lease and sales transactions

Insights

This internship challenged me to develop stronger data analysis and informed decision-making skills that I’m excited to apply to my personal and professional life. My biggest takeaway was understanding the intricate details of large transactional deals and exploring the motivations and strategies of brokers, agents, owners, and investors.

On a personal note, I’m incredibly thankful for the chance to learn from a company that's part of the S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100. This experience has really opened my eyes to the expansive world of real estate and hospitality.

I’d recommend this internship to anyone curious about diving deeper into real estate or hospitality research. The connections I've made with peers and mentors have been invaluable, and I’m genuinely grateful for everything I’ve learned.