At Berkadia, our success is built upon the talent and hard work of a broad, diversely skilled team. From graphic designers to loan closing specialists to product designers, each of our people brings a unique background, perspective and expertise. Their work allows Berkadia to remain a leader in the commercial real estate industry.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Max Ojert, Financial Statements Analyst, who sits in our Ambler office, to learn more about his role at Berkadia, the role the pandemic played in introducing him to CRE and how Berkadia continues to push him forward in his career.
Describe your role at Berkadia.
I work as a Financial Statements Analyst under in the Servicing department at Berkadia. My day-to-day work includes analyzing borrowers’ financials and conversing with co-workers and borrowers alike to ensure the completion of deliverables, amongst other responsibilities.
How did you get introduced to CRE? Did you choose CRE or did CRE choose you?
I graduated from Juniata College in the Spring of 2021 with a BS in Financial Economics. During my junior year in Huntingdon, PA, the COVID-19 pandemic had begun, making the search for internships tougher. However, with Berkadia offering virtual internships, I leapt at the opportunity and have not looked back since. So, I guess one could say with the circumstances, that both I chose CRE and CRE chose me!
How has your time at Berkadia helped to accelerate your personal or professional development?
My time at Berkadia thus far has helped me develop my skills, in particular, my soft skills. Since I started working at Berkadia during the pandemic, I have worked on my communication and teamwork skills. As someone who is naturally an introvert, stepping into a collaborative workforce has challenged, and changed me, for the better. Moreover, Berkadia’s tuition reimbursement program has spurred me to enroll in NYU’s Langone Part-Time MBA Program in the Stern School of Business. This benefit will allow me to increase and perfect various business skills to further enhance my work at Berkadia.
What advice would you have for a recent graduate looking to land of role in CRE?
I would advise someone to have a breadth of knowledge in all areas. In other words, be a well-rounded individual who strives to learn and who is open to every opportunity that arises. To prepare oneself to land a role at Berkadia, I believe one would need to not only be technically savvy, but also amicable and ready to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
When you’re not helping Berkadia move the industry forward, how do you spend your time?
Ever since the pandemic started, my brothers and I gravitated towards golf since it was a way we could get outside and see friends while social distancing. However, the golf bug has stuck around, and I love going outside and playing a round with friends and family (albeit not at the highest level). Additionally, I love to workout and spend time at the gym. This hobby of mine has translated to me helping at my former high school, Central Bucks West, as the football team’s strength and conditioning and assistant football coach.