Written by Lauren Holden – Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
At ShopCore Properties, we believe that the future of commercial real estate is brimming with opportunities, and we’re committed to developing the next generation of industry leaders who will seize these opportunities with enthusiasm and expertise. Our dedication to cultivating top-tier talent is evident in our robust internship programs, strategic partnerships, and our focus on nurturing young professionals who are eager to make a mark in the dynamic world of retail real estate.
INVESTING IN TOMORROW’S TALENT
For over seven years, ShopCore has been at the forefront of providing college students with hands-on experience through our summer internship program. We have proudly offered more than 50 internships across various departments, including Transactions, Leasing, Asset Management, Marketing, Accounting, IT, Sustainability, and Legal. Each intern is paired with a mentor who guides them through a comprehensive learning journey, ensuring they gain valuable insights into how different departments interconnect within the company.
Our interns don’t just observe; they actively contribute to critical projects and gain exposure to highly visible assignments. Their summer culminates in presentations to senior management and key executives, where they showcase their experiences, accomplishments, and innovative ideas. This exposure not only highlights their contributions but also positions them for future opportunities within the company.
A SUCCESS STORY: ERIC MILLNER
One shining example of our internship program’s success is Eric Millner. As a rising senior majoring in Real Estate and Finance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Eric began his journey with ShopCore as an intern in 2019. Now a Transactions Senior Analyst, Eric’s story reflects the impact of a well-structured internship that offers exposure to the full spectrum of commercial real estate.
“ShopCore provided a well-structured internship that exposed me to the full retail real estate landscape and allowed me to meet and learn from industry experts across Blackstone portfolio companies,” says Millner. “The skills and experience I gained through working alongside Blackstone and ShopCore team members truly set me up for success in my transition out of college and into my first full-time job, which was my main goal for the summer. ShopCore also provided fun events and outings throughout the summer, which allowed me to form strong friendships across my team and intern class, most of whom I’m still friends with today.”
Eric’s journey from intern to senior analyst underscores our commitment to fostering long-term growth and development for young professionals. It’s not just about providing a summer experience; it’s about setting the foundation for a successful career.
CREATING PATHWAYS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED TALENT
In addition to our established internship program, ShopCore is proud to be a sponsor of the Project Destined/ICSC bridge program. This initiative is designed to provide undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds with the training, skills, and network they need to pursue a career in retail real estate. By supporting this program, we are actively working to diversify the talent pipeline and ensure that the next wave of commercial real estate professionals is as diverse as the communities they will serve.
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
At ShopCore, we understand that the key to thriving in an ever-changing retail landscape is investing in people. By nurturing young talent through internships, training programs, and strategic partnerships, we are not just building careers; we are building the future of commercial real estate. We are committed to ensuring that the opportunities we create today will lead to the successes of tomorrow.