The “real” estate industry has been keeping it “real” for five full years, offering Bay Area internships that have produced real results for local youth. When that last bell of the school year rings, the typical student isn’t counting down the days and minutes until they start their summer job. The Real Estate 4 Tomorrow’s Adults [RE4TA] interns, on the other hand, may be an exception.
United Way’s MatchBridge partners with numerous Bay Area real estate agencies for an exciting youth internship program called RE4TA, which gives them hands-on experience in the field. Building off of MatchBridge’s mission to create professional pathways for urban youth, the RE4TA internship promotes learning-on-the-job opportunities that inform young people’seducational and career goals.
This paid internship is part-time, lasts 6 weeks and offers placement throughout various real estate sectors, including commercial, property management and construction. This past month, RE4TA celebrated its 5th anniversary of connecting local youth to Bay Area internships involving real estate.
Sunita Dhital is a success story of the program. Last year, her work performance was so impressive that the Bohan Company hired her as a permanent employee. Sunita remarks on her success, “I gave 100% in the work that I’ve been assigned and learned from my mistakes.” She reinforces the feelings of individuals like BRE Properties’ President and CEO, Connie More, a founder and integral partner of the RE4TA internship program. More said, “Just watching these kids is amazing! Their understanding of what they can do and their enthusiasm for having a career is so inspiring.”
RE4TA not only equips its interns with transferrable skills necessary to pursue successful careers, but it opens up a vast network of professional opportunities for the future. Each intern’s personal experience may differ, but the agencies’ praises remain constant. The resounding message is clear—each and every intern exceeded their expectations, thanks to the dedication of United Way’s MatchBridge program.
