INTERN INSIGHTS: GAINING REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

At Colliers | Columbus, our internship program provides hands-on experience across the commercial real estate industry, from brokerage and property management to accounting. Within our Real Estate Management Services (REMS) department, interns gain firsthand insight into the operational, financial and relationship-building responsibilities that contribute to successful property management.To learn more about their experiences, our research team connected with three individuals at different stages of their career journeys: Brady Quillin, a junior majoring in Accounting; Luke Wolford, a former REMS intern who has since transitioned into a full-time Property Administrator role at Colliers; and Doug Nussbaum, a senior majoring in Finance with a minor in Real Estate, who will be joining the team full-time as a Property Administrator following graduation.

What was your favorite project to work on during your time at Colliers?

The interns highlighted assignments that helped them understand both the daily operations and financial planning involved in managing commercial properties. Brady identified working on the management of Two Miranova as his favorite experience. The assignment provided a firsthand look at how property managers, leasing agents and facility technicians contribute to a property’s success. Seeing these roles work together offered a broader understanding of property management and the coordination required to address a building’s needs.

Luke highlighted building budgets for his manager’s portfolio of properties. The project offered practical exposure to the financial planning that supports property operations, connecting individual budget items to the needs of a larger portfolio. Budgeting brings together anticipated income, operating expenses and property priorities, making it an opportunity to explore how financial decisions shape management plans.

Similarly, Doug pointed to budgeting properties for 2027. Working on plans for the upcoming year introduced a forward-looking dimension to his internship experience. Together, these budgeting assignments illustrated how property management involves preparing for future needs alongside responding to daily responsibilities.

What was the biggest learning lesson you took away from this internship?

Communication emerged as a central lesson across all three interns’ experiences. Brady emphasized the importance of transparency between the parties involved in a real estate deal. An unexpected vacancy or a surprise million-dollar expense can substantially change an investment’s outlook, reinforcing the need for clear information and an understanding of potential challenges. His takeaway highlighted how closely investment decisions are connected to the realities of property operations.

For Luke, the biggest lesson was to ask for help when something was unfamiliar. He found that colleagues were willing to answer questions and welcomed opportunities to help interns learn. Reaching out provided a way to build knowledge while benefiting from the experience of others.

Doug similarly identified communication as a key to success in the industry. Across their responses, the interns emphasized the value of sharing information, asking questions and maintaining an open dialogue with the people involved in an assignment.

What aspects of commercial real estate did this internship make you more interested in?

The experience strengthened the interns’ interest in several connected areas of commercial real estate. Brady became more interested in development while also gaining a greater appreciation for the relationships and expertise required to succeed as a commercial broker. Exposure to property operations provided another perspective on the work involved in supporting a real estate investment throughout its life cycle.

Luke became particularly interested in relationship building. He emphasized that strong connections with tenants, owners and managers are essential to a long and successful career in the industry. His response underscored the importance of understanding the people behind a property and maintaining productive working relationships.

Doug identified property management as the area that most interested him. Together, their responses reflected how experience within REMS can help interns explore career interests while recognizing the connections between operations, financial planning and client relationships.