Occupier_News_Q4_US

P r o f e s s i o n a l R e a l E s t a t e P r o g r a m P . R . E . P .

Christina Urwand , Human Resources Manager and Professional Real Estate Program Manager, answered our questions.

Why is the PREP Program unique? PREP is currently the only rotational and development program in the CRE industry. This program provides the foundation to a successful career in an industry that provides so many services. The rotational platform gives first-hand exposure to the services each division provides, daily goals, and challenges. The trainings enable early-in-career talent to build the education components they need in order to grow quickly in a fast paced environment. What’s one misconception about the program? PREP associates are not interns, but are highly-recruited talent that are given associate-level workloads. PREP associates are talent the company is investing in for a full year in order to place them in the best position as possible. What’s your favorite part of working with the PREP Program? Watching the talent grow in their CRE knowledge and experience throughout this quick 12-month timeframe. These associates are the most collaborative and driven young professionals, within the PREPs first six months they know every division leader and key players on every team, they are a rush of innovative energy.

What is the PREP Program? The PREP Program is Cushman & Wakefield’s National Rotational and Development program. It’s a one year long program with two month rotations through six service lines, a full training curriculum implemented throughout the year, and constant networking opportunities. Who gets accepted into the program? Campus recruitment takes place at universities with the top ranked real estate programs, in order to qualify for this highly competitive program candidates must have completed an internship in the real estate industry, maintain an average above 3.0, exude an entrepreneurial spirit, and have the drive and interest in pursuing a career in CRE. What does the typical day of a PREP associate look like? The program starts with one full week of orientation exposing new associates to all services Cushman & Wakefield provides to our clients, mentor events, team building exercises, and a networking event to get associates fully integrated. After orientation week, associates start in fundamental rotations, which include two weeks with the business development division, two weeks with the research team and two weeks canvassing the local market. During this time, associates work closely with the program manager and develop their personalized rotation schedule for the rest of the year. The typical day of a PREP associate depends on their rotation assignment. It can include anything from leading investment sales tours of buildings, underwriting sites for the capital markets projects, cold calling with some of the counties

PREP Program

PREP learning environment.

best leasing brokers, and a vast majority of other CRE projects.

Please contact Christina Urwand with any questions or inquiries: christina.urwand@cushwake.com.

32 | THE OCCUPIER NEWS Q4