At Berkadia, our success is built upon the talent and hard work of a broad, diversely skilled team. From analysts to loan closing specialists to managing directors 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 Joe McSweeney, an intern in the servicing department, to learn more about his internship at Berkadia, what stood out about Berkadia when interviewing, and what he has learned about himself and his future career, while interning at Berkadia.
Can you tell us about yourself and describe your internship at Berkadia so far?
I am currently a rising senior at West Chester University majoring in finance and economics. My older brother, John McSweeney, is a Special Request Analyst in the servicing department, and he introduced me to Berkadia and the commercial real estate industry. My internship is in client relations, which entails reaching out to borrowers and talking with a lot of different client relations managers. Everyone I have worked with has been very helpful and patient which makes the internship experience enjoyable and effective.
If you’ve had other internships, how does Berkadia’s internship program differ?
This is my second-year interning with Berkadia. Last year I worked with the servicing compliance team. Although both internships I’ve had are in servicing, they feel like completely different jobs. I’m learning different skills and talking to different people.
How did you get into CRE and what stood out about Berkadia when you were interviewing for your internship role?
My brother and uncle are the ones who introduced me to the commercial real estate industry and made me excited to learn more about the industry. The biggest thing that stood out to me when I was interviewing with Berkadia was that the interviewers had a calming presence and it felt more like a conversation. The relaxed yet thoughtful nature of the interview allowed me to be comfortable yet confident with my responses.
What advice would you have for somebody looking to get involved in CRE and landing an internship at Berkadia?
Talking to friends and family who are in the CRE industry will help you make great connections. It is important to read articles on different financial websites. It’s a great way to get a general understanding of what’s going on in the commercial real estate industry, and it might give you a better idea of what side of CRE you want to get involved in. Lastly, Berkadia visits many different schools and job fairs; this is a great way to make connections with employees at Berkadia and introduce yourself.
What has your internship at Berkadia taught you about your future career or yourself?
My internship at Berkadia has taught me that in order to be successful in my career, I need to be engaged and ask questions. Being an intern at Berkadia, I’ve been exposed to many smart and very successful people. All of them say the same thing, and they say to be engaged and ask questions.
Explore Opportunities to Be Berkadia.
– Joe McSweeney, Intern – Servicing