The IREM Student Leaders Program is designed to introduce college students to the full spectrum of the real estate management profession. For the 10 students selected this year, the program offers early exposure to careers spanning commercial, multifamily, office, and industrial real estate, while fostering leadership, professional development, and meaningful industry connections.
Each participant brings a unique academic focus and career interest to the program, while sharing a common goal of gaining hands-on experience in real estate management.
Many IREM Student Leaders first learn about IREM through real estate courses or faculty recommendations. These early touchpoints introduce students to the breadth of real estate management, and the role IREM plays in supporting professionals at every stage of their careers.
The program builds on that foundation by offering students a structured way to engage with the industry while still in school, connecting theory to real-world application across disciplines and asset class.
Faculty encouragement plays a key role in guiding students toward IREM career development resources. Professors often recommend the program to students who demonstrate strong interest in real estate management and leadership potential, recognizing it as a strong complement to academic study.
For many of these young professionals, the program also aligns with their pursuit of IREM education and certification, helping them better understand how professional coursework supports long-term careers in property and asset management.
The IREM Student Leaders Program offers tangible benefits that support students as they prepare for professional roles. Learning alongside a cohort of student peers creates a collaborative environment where program participants can exchange perspectives, explore different property management roles, and grow together.
In addition, the recognition they receive from the IREM community helps them establish early visibility within the real estate community; an important step in establishing professional credibility early in their careers.
As IREM members will tell you, networking is vital to success in real estate management. By attending events such as Property Con, Student Leaders can connect with industry practitioners, learn about the different property management career paths, and gain insight into day-to-day operations and management challenges. These experiences help students build confidence and develop professional relationships that will help guide them on their property management journeys.
This year’s cohort will also engage with past participants, gaining perspective from those who have successfully transitioned from student involvement to professional roles.
For students exploring careers in real estate management, the IREM Student Leaders Program provides:
Learning across asset types
A trip to 2026 PropertyCon, with event registration, travel, meals and lodging included
Professional education, including complementary enrollment in ETH800: Ethics for Real Estate Manager to prepare them for IREM certification, if they’re interested in following that path
Participation in a former Student Leaders/Member panel
A communications workshop led by IREM expert Shannon Alter, CPM®
Meaningful networking with experienced professionals
Recognition and support through IREM chapters
A peer network of future industry leaders
The program launches in January and wraps up at the end of April. We encourage college juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in real estate management to apply.
Being selected is both an honor and a responsibility. For this group of students, the program represents a shared step toward careers in real estate management. As they move forward with their education, Student Leaders develop a deeper understanding of the industry and the support of IREM’s professional community from across the globe.