Greetings from Midtown Manhattan. It's been a busy stretch since I've started my internship and I'll fill you in on a few things that have been going on.
Aside from sweltering in the summer heat, I've been working Monday through Friday at Urban American (UA), a multifamily investor who specializes in workforce housing in the NY/NJ region. My primary role is to support UA's finance team and assist with investor presentations, refinancing activity and due diligence on any potential acquisitions and dispositions.
My routine usually goes like this:
I get up bright and early to catch the #1 line (subway) heading downtown to Port Authority. From there I take a bus heading to West New York, NJ. The UA corporate office is actually in New Jersey right across the river from where I live in Manhattan. Morning commute usually takes around 45 minutes.
The bus takes me right where I need to be. Since I arrive with time to spare, I get a chance to buy breakfast every morning and a cup of coffee (let's just say McDonald's revenue has gone up as a result). By the time I get into the office, it's around 8:30 am. I'm always one of the earliest ones to arrive in the morning but I feel it's important to make that point to others; you're there to work and you want to make the most of the experience.
I usually start with whatever project I've been assigned by one of the full-time employees. Sometimes these projects take a day or two, others take up to a week (or two). One project I've worked on was an investor presentation for potential JV equity partners. That one took maybe a week since I had to get familiar with the properties and their operating statements three days into the internship. Can't make mistakes so it's better to reserve enough time to get it right.
My interaction with coworkers during the day varies. For example, if I'm on a project that requires me to team up with an asset manager, I have a lot of interaction with whoever I'm working with. Other times, I'm on my own. It's generally a good idea to take time to visit other people at their desks during the day and ask questions when you have them. It's helped me get to know my coworkers and get the know the company better.
The day ends around 5:30 to 6:00 pm for me. Occasionally I'll stay later but keep in mind my commute back is not short. Usually takes me about an hour and fifteen in traffic. To anyone who has to do it, bring a good book or headphones. Dinner is usually a post 7:00 pm affair and sometimes even later than that. But that's the life of an intern.
Just make sure to enjoy the experience. Try some new restaurants, organize a happy hour with friends, or catch a baseball game. This is the last time you will ever be an intern. Take it all in.
