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 Noah Martin, Intern – Conventional Administration, Agency Lending, who sits in the New York office, to learn more about his role, how he discovered Berkadia and how he likes the intern program so far.
Describe your internship at Berkadia, what department you’re in and how you’re liking the program so far.
I sit in the New York office, as part of the Fannie Mae team. As the conventional administration intern for agency lending, I’m able to look at the deal from both sides—deal management and mortgage banking—trying to get it approved through the credit team, price it with Fannie Mae and striving to make the deal look as attractive as possible. By doing so, I’m able to gain experience in deal.
In the office, I work alongside two other interns, Cam Bligen and Dale Dunning, who are primarily focused on mortgage banking. Whenever I have some free time, I try to work through deals with them to gain the extra experience.
So far, I’ve really been enjoying my internship. I’ve been learning a lot and not only are the people in the office extremely helpful, but also fun to be around. Berkadia has helped teach me the importance of networking and building relationships. One of their missions is building relationships with their clients and I truly see it every day in the office. I feel as though this is important in any aspect of life, not just at your job.
If you’ve had other internships, how does Berkadia’s internship program differ?
I haven’t had any other internships to this point, but one thing that has stood out to me is that the CEO, Justin Wheeler, set up an in-person meeting with myself and the two other interns I work with here in New York and I got the chance to meet him. I do not think many other interns at other companies get to say the same and it made me feel like the CEO really cared about the people at Berkadia, no matter their role. When I joined Berkadia, they emphasized how they really want to invest in the future. By Justin taking the time out of his day to talk to us, really proved that to me.
What is your major in school and how did you find out about Berkadia? Were you always interested in CRE?
I am an accounting major with minors in real estate and finance at Bucknell. My grandfather has worked in commercial real estate his entire life and his friend, Brian Campbell who sits in the Ambler office, introduced me to Berkadia.
When I started college, I didn’t know if I wanted to major in accounting or finance. After a conversation with my advisor, I landed on accounting, and began taking real estate courses and almost immediately developed an interest. I found it more fun that real estate allows you to create value in a property, shopping center, etc., rather than a company or stock. I also liked the personality traits that my real estate professors have, how outgoing and ambitious everyone my grandfather works with is, and I wanted to be a part of an industry like that.
What stood out about Berkadia when you were interviewing for your internship role?
While interviewing at Berkadia, everyone I talked to was very outgoing and easy to hold a conversation with, which was different than the other interviews I had. I also liked the importance on investing in the future and taking the bigger picture.
What advice would you have for somebody looking to get involved in CRE?
I think building your network is invaluable. Have a call with school alumni or analysts at companies you want to know more about and just ask about their work. Don’t call to ask for a job, rather just ask them questions about their position, their experience or the industry and you can learn a lot.