Newmark Associates recently offered 25 Newark high school students hands-on exposure to the world of commercial real estate through its successful summer internship program.
Throughout the month of July, Susanne Newmark, president of Newmark Associates, and her dedicated team hosted weekly sessions to introduce the aspiring young professionals to the diverse facets of commercial real estate. The program, now in its second year, delved into core commercial real estate principles, including leasing, investment sales, property management, and professional development.
Students gained invaluable real-world insights by meeting with seasoned real estate professionals, gaining firsthand understanding of how projects come to life. Students visited NJIT's Hillier College of Architecture & Design, where hands-on workshops crafted by architects brought design concepts and construction planning to life.
A crucial component of the program helped students gain experience evaluating properties and learning the practical considerations that drive commercial real estate purchases. These experiences are designed to provide necessary knowledge and instill the confidence and connections for students to envision their future roles in the industry.
The program also included a visit to the IHOP in Newark owned by Adenah Bayoh, a graduate of Newark Public Schools and a prominent female restaurateur and developer. Bayoh is an inspiring example of successful entrepreneurship and urban development.
The internship program is spearheaded by the Newmark team of Jack Maier, Ebony Parham, and Jeanette Melillo, in cooperation with Ernest Pope, an English teacher at University High School in Newark. Their collaborative effort provided a program that educated, inspired, and empowered students through direct mentorship from seasoned professionals and immersive site visits.
“This program reflects our belief that real transformation happens when we provide young people with access, education, and mentorship,” Newmark said. “We’re excited to welcome Newark’s future leaders into our offices and help shape their paths forward.”
Newark Schools Superintendent Roger León thanked Newmark and her team for giving students an experiential learning experience beyond the classroom.
“Through this internship, our young people learn the fundamentals of commercial real estate, and see how their skills, creativity, and vision can shape communities,” León said. “Programs like this align perfectly with our mission to prepare students now for success beyond high school, and we’re proud to work with organizations that believe in our students’ potential as much as we do.”
As a certified woman-owned business founded over 40 years ago, Newmark Associates is proud to build a workplace culture grounded in inclusion, empowerment, and social responsibility. The high school internship program reflects the firm’s broader values, not solely advancing diversity in the commercial real estate industry but also giving back to local communities in meaningful, lasting ways, Newmark said.
Photo caption: Newark high school students participated in a commercial real estate internship offered during July by Newmark Associates. – Photo courtesy of Newmark Associates.
