INTERN INSIGHTS: EXPERIENCES FROM BROKERAGE INTERNS

At Colliers | Columbus, our internship program provides hands-on experience across the commercial real estate industry, from brokerage and property management to accounting. To learn more about the program and the opportunities it provides for professional growth, the research team spoke with three brokerage interns: Isabella Campos, a senior at The Ohio State University studying Real Estate and Urban Analysis who works with the Jameson Office Team; Duke Lashutka, a junior at The Ohio State University studying Finance and Real Estate who works with Corey Taber; and Ben Ransburgh, a junior at Ashland University studying Finance who worked with the Retail Investment Team.

What has been your favorite project to work on throughout your time at Colliers?

Each intern identified projects that offered the opportunity to take ownership, develop new skills and contribute to meaningful work. Isabella highlighted creating her first newsletter and helping rebrand the 88 E. Broad (Key Bank) Building. She especially valued the creative freedom she received during the rebranding process, which allowed her to develop her own ideas and see them transformed into materials that could be put to practical use. She described the trust and ownership she was given as an especially rewarding part of the experience.

Duke’s favorite project involved assisting a regional autism therapy provider. Beyond the strategy and commitment required, he valued the opportunity to contribute to a project that could meaningfully benefit the communities served by the organization. Ben pointed to his work with Claude and the experience of incorporating AI into existing workflows. Learning how to use the technology allowed him to complete certain tasks much more efficiently while developing a skill that he believes will remain valuable throughout his career.

What has been the biggest learning lesson you will take away from this internship?

Collaboration, confidence and attention to detail emerged as important lessons throughout the interns’ experiences. Isabella gained a greater appreciation for everything that occurs behind the scenes in commercial real estate. By learning how to interpret leases, review rent rolls and maintain accurate property materials, she developed a better understanding of the work required to support brokerage assignments. She also valued Colliers’ collaborative environment, where team members contribute different perspectives and are consistently willing to help one another.

Duke emphasized the importance of discipline and building strong client relationships. He learned that success in commercial real estate requires thoughtful, high-quality work that earns clients’ confidence and demonstrates a genuine commitment to their objectives. Ben similarly valued the supportive culture he encountered throughout his internship. His biggest lesson was that asking questions and approaching conversations with confidence are essential to professional growth. Whether completing a task, delivering a presentation or collaborating with experienced professionals, he found that feedback is intended to help interns improve and succeed.

What areas of commercial real estate have you become more interested in through this internship?

The internship expanded each intern’s understanding of the range of career paths available within commercial real estate. Isabella became more interested in exploring multiple sides of the industry. Participating in property tours introduced her to the leasing and brokerage process, including how brokers present spaces and interact with prospective tenants. Conversations with professionals throughout Colliers also increased her curiosity about construction and development.

Duke developed a stronger interest in how public- and private-sector investment decisions shape real estate markets and the communities in which people live and work. Ben became particularly interested in the transactional side of commercial real estate and the extensive collaboration required to complete a deal. His experience showed him that transactions are rarely the work of one individual or team. Instead, brokers rely on calls, meetings, client relationships and connections with colleagues across markets to identify opportunities, connect buyers and sellers and determine the best approach for each assignment.