Alumni Testimonials

Students will join a vibrant community of CREST alumni.

"During my time at CV Properties, I have developed a deep understanding of the connections between commercial real estate, urban development, architecture, and project management. This is exactly what I had hoped for when I researched the company and the nature of their work. It has been a unique experience to observe the extensive effort involved in obtaining permits and presenting large-scale projects, and how it differs from the work I do at design studios at BAC or the property valuations I used to do in Antigua. The level of intentionality, decision-making, and research required to transform an underutilized urban space like the Bayside Parking lot into a vibrant hub of economic development, community, and environmental awareness, as demonstrated in the Dorchester Bay City project, is remarkable. The dedication and time invested in ensuring the smooth operation of projects like Boynton Gateway are truly admirable. I can only aspire to have a career path as unique as those at CV Properties. The commercial real estate community here has been more welcoming than I thought. At networking events, I have met many people who have been kind enough to share insights and advice on their work, education choices, as well as food and entertainment options in the city. I plan on encouraging other friends and classmates from BAC to join CREST and other programs that are geared towards getting young people into the industry. "

Thea Barton, Boston Architectural College, CV Properties Intern. CREST’ 24

"As the final week of my "CREST" internship comes to a wrap, I continue to reflect on how blessed I was to be a part of this internship program. Being filled with so many networking opportunities and educational programs we were fed a lot and given every tool to help us lay that foundation for our future careers. I am happy that I did not take them for granted and was able to utilize all the opportunities that CREST laid in front of us. I will miss the weekly meetings and getting together with the cohort was always a great time and filled with laughs and learning not only about CRE but about each other. Although this is not my last week working for my employer Tishman Speyer, even if it were to end here I would have already learned so much and been able to walk away here confident in the work I had put in and the things that I have learned that will forever stick with me. I am also grateful for the mentors that I have gained through this program, whether it was through CoreNet, CREST, or my team members here at Tishman Speyer, I will continue to take advantage of these relationships to further develop myself and never stop learning. This truly has been one of the best programs I have been a part of and I cannot wait to tell everyone about it and spread the word on how truly impactful this program is. ”

Daniel Oluwasuyi, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Tishman Speyer Intern. CREST ‘24

"As it has been a week since the closing ceremony, I wanted to take the time to thank the three of you for your support and encouragement throughout the entire summer. You three have welcomed me in with open arms to this community, and I have nothing but gratitude for your kindness to me. I think at a personal standpoint, you three have been pivotal to my individual and professional growth. From a lost student trying to pursue a career with no meaning behind it, you three have sparked that curiosity for me within commercial real estate and have guided me to find what really makes me ‘tick’."

Brian Thai, Boston College, Downtown Boston BID Intern. CREST ‘24

"Arrowstreet has a very small talented studio of designers, I was honored to go and see one of their recent projects at the Seaport the other day and I was mind blown by their work. Although I’m studying architecture I want to explore the possibilities of working in such fields which is why I’m trying to spend as much time as possible with them.”

Rawan Ibrahim, Brandeis University, Arrowstreet Intern. CREST ‘24

"I can’t believe that today is the last day at BioMed. I am so grateful for this experience- I feel very prepared and ready to enter the work field! This last week I was able to wrap up the projects that I have been doing over the Summer. I learned how to use Adobe PDF and created an appendix based off of referenced documents in a huge memorandum that was sent over by outside counsel.”

Kiera Parker, Saint Michael’s College, BioMed Realty Intern. CREST ‘24

"I am writing to express my sincerest gratitude for quite the summer experience. I am glad I applied to be a part of CREST this summer and to have met the amazing folks who truly care about finding solutions to issues facing real estate and the built environment in Boston and across the country. I learned a lot and there are still business cards I need to sort. I want to let you know that your efforts were not in vain and I owe the tremendous wealth of knowledge, resources, and opportunities to learn and engage with my peers in the CREST 2024 cohort and the broader commercial real estate community in Boston to you all. Thank you for the wonderful summer experience!"

Michael Yirenkyi, Rhode Island School of Design, Downtown Boston BID Intern. CREST ‘24

"After a 10-week internship at AEW, I am excited to return full time as an Asset Management Analyst. Many thanks to my managers and mentors who were extensively involved in the program and made it such a rewarding experience. My gratitude goes to the Commercial Real Estate Success Training (CREST) Internship program for establishing my initial connection with AEW and for providing me with the necessary training and connections to break into the real estate industry."

Brian Hsieh, Brandeis University CREST ‘23

I'm not only appreciative of this opportunity but also deeply grateful for being selected to participate in this transformative program. It has undoubtedly shifted my professional outlook and will continue to impact my life moving forward. I am filled with hope for the future and what it holds.”

Alkenly Ortiz. Boston Architectural College (BAC) CREST ’23

"I want to personally thank you for your attentiveness and care this summer. This was truly a fantastic opportunity and gained an exemplary introduction in commercial real estate. The networking potential is invaluable and has opened my perspective on my professional future in New England. I cannot express my appreciation enough and will carry all of my lessons learned through CREST and my internship with me for my entire career. With upmost gratitude."

Jasmine Flowers. Rhode Island School of Design CREST ‘23

"This past year, I was extremely fortunate and outright blessed to intern with the MIT Investment Management Company (MITIMCo). I worked alongside their real estate team. What began as a 10-week internship in June of 2022, through the Commercial Real Estate Success Training (CREST) Internship (of which I am equally grateful), blossomed into a yearlong opportunity. The good folks at MITIMCo took me in, a small-town guy from North Carolina changing career paths, and showed me much more than the nuances and impacts of commercial real estate. They showed me true friendship and community — something that I had yet to find outside of my graduate program."

Joshua Dickens. Tufts University, Trinity Capital. CREST ’22

"The rotational system of the internship gave me an invaluable overview of all that civil engineering encompasses. In one summer, I got the entire package, saving me time on researching potential career paths that I would have otherwise only known about through perspectives found on the internet. Finding VHB was like mining and finding gold, and I feel extremely lucky to have landed here.”

Lily Liu Tufts University VHB intern CREST ‘23

"I've gained the knowledge of professional and personal branding. My networking and relafionship-building has grown significantly. With a passion for interior architecture, it's important to learn and have a better understanding of all aspects of the industry to encourage diversity and collaboration. Liberty Mutual has taught me the importance of relationship-building. Everyone's time is valuable, and we work with a purpose, together. This internship was incredibly valuable, making a huge impact on young professionals in the real estate industry and all other industries connected to it."

Manola Lovan, 2023 CREST Intern at Liberty Mutual Boston Architectural College Student, CREST ’23