This year marks the 6th consecutive year that The New England Chapter of CoreNet Global and its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI) have partnered with The Commercial Real Estate Success Training (CREST). CREST is a paid internship program designed to introduce those historically underrepresented in corporate and commercial real estate to these industries in the New England region.
This year, the CoreNet Global – New England chapter expanded their mentorship program and paired each 2023 CREST intern with a mentor relationship from leaders within the local Corporate Real Estate Industry. Eight of the 26 students who interned this summer with the CREST Program from June 5, 2023, to August 11, 2023, interned with CoreNet Global – New England chapter sponsor organizations. These included Commodore Builders, J. Calnan & Associates, JLL, John Hancock, Liberty Mutual, Margulies Perruzzi Architects, Northstar Project & Real Estate Services, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Ohemaa Pipim, a 2023 CREST intern, and student at Brandeis University studying Business and Architectural Studies stated, “being part of the CREST Internship Program and the CoreNet Global – New England Chapter was an invaluable opportunity. I learned the art of developing meaningful connections. At Margulies Perruzzi I witnessed firsthand how creative design choices can solve complex problems as well as create functional spaces for communities. CoreNet Global also graciously hosted events like their Summer Soirée and Golf Clinic at Granite Links that gave me fun experiences and opportunities to network. I am truly grateful for this experience and look forward to applying and expanding upon my newfound knowledge in the future.”
This 10-week program provides the intern with ongoing support, skill development training, and personal brand development throughout their internship. CREST facilitates connections between academic institutions, employers and qualified college juniors, seniors and graduate students through a comprehensive recruitment process and leadership program that includes a curriculum of classes and activities about the corporate and commercial real estate industries.
Maureen Rystrom, CoreNet Global – New England Chapter President noted: “We are truly dedicated to enhancing and furthering our robust partnership with CREST. As recognized ‘CREST Champions’, The New England Chapter of CoreNet Global takes immense pride in educating program interns and CREST alumni about careers in corporate real estate and supporting the program financially by subsidizing the cost of hosting a CREST Intern for up to four of our Corporate Partners.”
The complimentary CoreNet Global – New England Chapter student memberships, valid through December 2024, give the CREST interns an opportunity to network with industry professionals, attend chapter programs and events at a lower cost, and access resources provided by CoreNet Global. Memberships give the students the same access and opportunities that support their professional development and future careers in real estate as the other CRE-skilled members.
“The multi-year relationship CREST has with The New England Chapter of CoreNet Global has been outstanding and gets better each year. Diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate and commercial real estate is truly enhanced when the CREST interns are employed over the summer by The New England Chapter of CoreNet Global members,” said Milton Benjamin, the Founder of The Commercial Real Estate Success Training (CREST) and President and Founder of KAGE Growth Strategies, LLC. Additionally, new in 2023, all 26 CREST interns were assigned a CoreNet Global – New England Chapter member as a mentor during the 2023 program. The mentorship stands out as a very significant experience for the interns and their mentors.”
About The New England Chapter of CoreNet Global
The New England Chapter of CoreNet Global represents the best and brightest in the region’s corporate real estate industry. Our Chapter’s 500+ members are passionate about advancing the organization’s mission to connect real estate professionals, end users and service providers to advance knowledge, promote personal excellence and add value to each individual and their respective enterprises. We are part of the non-profit association CoreNet Global, which represents nearly 10,000 executives in 50 countries with strategic responsibility for the real estate assets of large corporations.
About The Commercial Real Estate Success Training (CREST) Program
The Commercial Real Estate Success Training (CREST), is a paid internship program designed to introduce people of color and women, both of whom are typically underrepresented, to the commercial real estate industry. Through CREST, firms in the commercial real estate industry in Boston had the opportunity to expand their base of potential long-term employees from a diverse pool of highly qualified college students studying in the Boston area.
CREST facilitates connections between academic institutions, employers and qualified college junior, seniors and graduate students through a comprehensive recruitment process that includes an itinerary of information and activities about the commercial real estate industry. The goal is to diversify the commercial real estate industry.
