Internships offer a fantastic way to explore a new career path and gain hands-on experience. After all, how can you be sure that a real estate career is the right fit without trying it? But just how common are internships for real estate? To answer that question, we asked some top brokerages in California about real estate intern jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Internships or structured training programs provide essential hands-on experience, allowing aspiring agents to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios and better understand the industry.
- Internships and training programs connect newcomers with experienced agents and brokers, fostering relationships that can lead to mentorship, references, and career opportunities in the relationship-driven real estate industry.
- Use job boards, career expos, and networking events to discover internship opportunities or brokerages offering new agent support, ensuring a solid start in your real estate career.
Benefits of Internships for Real Estate Students and Career Changers
We found that real estate internships for students aren’t very common. That’s why it’s critical that you connect with a brokerage that offers a training program, coaching, and thorough onboarding for newcomers to the industry.
Here are some benefits of internships and real estate training programs for those starting out in the field.
1. Having practical experience in the field is critical for new real estate agents.
Classroom learning lays the foundation, but real-world experience is invaluable. Internships and training programs let you apply concepts from real estate courses directly to client interactions—whether during property tours or negotiations. You’ll get a sense of the industry’s pace, gain insight into different processes, and learn the nuances of client advocacy in a real-world setting.
2. Internships and training programs help you build connections with real estate professionals.
Internships offer more than hands-on learning; they create networking opportunities. Real estate is highly relationship-driven, and connecting with industry professionals can significantly enhance your career. Working with a brokerage introduces you to experienced agents, brokers, and influencers who can provide invaluable support and advice for a job unlike any other.
3. Training programs and mentorship show brokerages your dedication to growth.
Participating in a brokerage’s training program or seeking mentorship demonstrates your commitment to building a successful real estate career. Brokerages value candidates who proactively invest in their skills and professional development, making it more likely they’ll invest in your long-term success.
Top California Real Estate Companies Offering Internships or Training
We contacted a few California real estate brokerages to ask about training for new agents and how to intern at a real estate company. While not all offer real estate intern jobs, they are all dedicated to agent training.
Travel + Leisure Co.
Travel + Leisure Co. has a dedicated training team that provides the tools and resources for a successful career. This leading hospitality company focuses on providing leisure travel experiences, including vacation ownership, travel club memberships, and related services.
“In training, we review the steps of the sale, the psychology of sales, a comprehensive look at our program, and how to present it to potential customers. Training goes beyond the first two weeks – in that time, though, will provide them the foundation to an amazing career with us,” said Priscilla Peña, Branch Division Manager at Travel + Leisure Co.
Corcoran Icon Properties
Corcoran Icon Properties offers “The Academy,” a program designed specifically for aspiring real estate professionals. The 90-day program provides guidance, support, and mentorship while helping you earn your California real estate license. Those who attend 100% of the courses and successfully pass their real estate exam get first-in-line interview access with the brokerage.
In addition, Corcoran offers “Propel,” an interactive training program that is especially helpful for new agents but can also benefit those with experience. The 30-hour course is spread out over 12 days and includes useful follow-up activities.
“The program takes agents on a journey from lead to closing/raving fan for both the sides of the transaction. We break the job apart into increments and sprinkle in secret sauces of the nuances of the job along the way,” said Mikki Cardoza, Director of Education for Corcoran Icon Properties.
Partner Real Estate
While Partner Real Estate doesn’t offer an internship program, the company does offer scholarships for pre-licensing courses through Allied Schools for individuals interested in obtaining their California real estate license. This scholarship enables future agents to start their journey without the financial barrier of course fees, ensuring they’re prepared for the licensing exam and well-equipped for a career in real estate.
Additionally, the company offers an Agent Apprenticeship Program to help aspiring professionals gain firsthand exposure to the industry.
“Participants are paired with seasoned agents, attend training sessions, and gain insight into key areas like client relations, marketing, and transaction management. This hands-on experience builds essential skills and confidence, setting them up for success when they transition into a licensed role,” said Rudy L. Kusuma, CEO of Partner Real Estate.
How to Find the Right Real Estate Internship in California
Are you hoping to intern at a real estate company? Finding the right internship or new agent training program may seem daunting. Here’s how to find real estate intern jobs or brokerages that support new agents.
1. Utilize job boards and real estate associations
Many real estate firms post internship opportunities on popular job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, and specialized real estate platforms. California-based real estate associations also often share listings for internships or entry-level positions. Some are summer internship programs designed for college students interested in the industry. Other programs allow you to learn about a real estate niche – such as commercial real estate or new construction sales.
2. Attend career expos and fairs
Don’t forget about career expos—whether hosted by Allied Schools or other local organizations—these events can connect you with firms actively seeking interns and help you learn more about real estate as a career.
3. Network
If you plan to work as a real estate agent, you’ll need to get comfortable with networking. Attend industry events, webinars, or workshops to meet professionals who can introduce you to potential opportunities.
Once you decide that real estate is your perfect career, enroll in pre-licensing courses with Allied Schools. Allied Schools offers flexible course offerings and learning modalities, as well as a Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee. Make the smart career choice and become a California real estate agent today.
