Student Name: Brandon Scott
Major/Program: MBA Finance
Internship Site: Savills
Role/Title: Intern Junior Broker
Semester/Year: Graduate
Anticipated graduation date: May 2027

One meaningful experience I gained during my internship at Savills was developing strong analytical and decision-making skills through market surveys and financial analysis. By analyzing market trends, property data, and investment opportunities, I learned how important data-driven insights are in commercial real estate decisions. I also gained valuable experience working on Requests for Proposals, which helped me better understand risk assessment and financial forecasting. Overall, this experience gave me a clearer understanding of how market analysis and financial evaluation directly impact successful commercial real estate transactions.

One surprising aspect of my internship at Savills was how supportive and collaborative the workplace culture was. I did not expect senior brokers and even the Vice Chairman to be so willing to take time to answer questions, offer guidance, and make sure I was learning. Everyone genuinely wanted to see me succeed, regardless of their position within the firm. This experience showed me how mentorship and teamwork play a major role in professional growth within the commercial real estate industry.

One challenge I faced during my internship was having to learn a large amount of new information in a very short period of time, since my internship was shorter than those of previous interns. The fast pace of the role required me to quickly understand market data, financial analysis, and brokerage processes. To overcome this, I made a point to stay actively involved in projects and consistently ask questions whenever I needed clarification. I also took initiative by learning from feedback and observing how more experienced brokers approached their work. Through this experience, I learned that being proactive and curious is essential when adapting to a fast-paced professional environment.

One especially memorable and lighthearted moment from my internship was realizing that my mentor, Senior Managing Director Tim Monahan, had attended one of my high school games in the past and was cheering me on. When we talked about it at the office, it was funny to connect over that shared memory in a professional setting. It made the mentorship feel more personal and showed how genuine the relationships at Savills can be beyond just work.

One piece of practical advice I would offer is to never hesitate to ask questions, especially when you are learning a new role or industry. Asking questions shows initiative and helps you understand concepts more quickly and accurately. It also opens the door to learning from experienced professionals who are often more willing to help than you might expect. Being curious and engaged not only improves your skills but also helps you build stronger relationships in the workplace.