At Dweck Properties, we believe in fostering the next generation of real estate professionals. Our summer internship program offers students and young adults a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the multifaceted world of property management. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Grace Kennedy, a bright and ambitious intern who’s making the most of her time with us this summer at The Gramercy.

Grace’s journey into real estate began long before she stepped foot on Virginia Tech’s campus. Growing up in Northern Virginia, she fondly recalls Sunday adventures with her father, visiting open houses just for fun. “We would pretend we were going to buy these luxurious houses,” Grace reminisces. “I’ve always wanted to be the person on those Sundays selling the properties.” This early exposure to real estate, coupled with a love for HGTV shows, sparked Grace’s interest in the industry.

Now a rising sophomore at Virginia Tech, Grace is majoring in Residential Real Estate with a minor in Property Management. Her path to Dweck was serendipitous – a chance encounter with a property management professor led Grace to take a challenging upper-level course as a freshman. “I ended up in a class full of juniors and seniors,” Grace shares. “We were preparing for the Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP) exam.” Despite the challenge, Grace’s dedication shone through. She studied diligently and passed the exam, impressing both her peers and professors.

Grace met the Dweck team at Virginia Tech’s career fair, where she ambitiously planned to visit every table. Dweck’s booth immediately caught her attention. “They brought an enthusiastic team, and many were Virginia Tech grads,” Grace recalls. This blend of familiarity and professionalism struck a chord with her. The Dweck representatives were genuinely excited to meet Grace, creating an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. Their passion, combined with the company’s presence in Northern Virginia, made a lasting impression.

As Grace explored other opportunities, collecting business cards and scheduling interviews, Dweck stood out. “When I sat down for the Dweck interview, the entire ambience was significantly better than the others,” she explains. The interviewers prioritized making Grace comfortable, even chatting about her beloved dog. This personal touch resonated with Grace, making her feel valued as both a candidate and an individual. The Dweck team went above and beyond, inviting Grace to dinner that evening and providing her with direct contact information. “Lindsay Lindquist was amazing, helping me through this whole process,” Grace adds, highlighting the supportive nature of the Dweck team from the very beginning.

Grace’s internship at The Gramercy has been a whirlwind of learning and growth. From day one, she’s been immersed in the bustling world of leasing. “I sit at the front desk of the leasing office, often serving as the initial point of contact for prospective residents walking through the door,” Grace explains. “I assist Natalie with what she’s doing as a leasing agent.” Her daily responsibilities include managing the queue of inquiries, giving tours to prospective residents, and even generating leases. “I’ve been lucky enough to generate four different leases already,” Grace says proudly. “I didn’t even know if that was something I was going to be able to do!” Her goal coming into the program was to generate only one lease, now the goal is five.

One of the highlights of Grace’s internship has been the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals like Barbara Smith, the beloved Concierge Manager at The Gramercy. “Everybody loves Barbara,” Grace gushes. “I do too!” Grace has also found mentorship in Silvana Arellano, a Dweck team member who’s impressed her with her ability to balance work and family life. “It was inspiring to be able to see how productive she is,” Grace reflects.

What sets Dweck’s internship program apart? For Grace, it’s the comprehensive, immersive experience. “The fact that I’ve been in this one department the whole time is something that’s special to my internship,” she notes. “Every day when I learn something new, it’s making me a better leasing agent.” This focused approach has allowed Grace to see the entire leasing process from start to finish – from initial inquiries to move-in day. “Only now am I getting to really see the back half, which is the moving-in steps,” she explains.

As Grace prepares to return to Virginia Tech for her sophomore year, she’s already thinking about how this experience will shape her future. “Now I know that Dweck is an opportunity for me next summer too,” she says enthusiastically. Whether her path leads her back to Dweck or to new horizons in the real estate world, Grace is confident that this internship has provided invaluable experience. “It’s helping me become prepared for my future career in the real estate industry and more professional in the leasing world,” she reflects.

At Dweck Properties, we’re proud to play a role in shaping the future of the real estate industry. Through our internship program, we’re not just filling positions – we’re nurturing passion, building skills, and creating opportunities for bright young minds like Grace Kennedy. Are you a student interested in exploring the world of property management? Keep an eye out for Dweck Properties at your school’s next career fair – we might just have the perfect opportunity for you!