Finance Student Interviewing for position at Cushman and Wakefield
I am currently working a summer job at a property tax service. My boss has connected me with the VP of Cushman Toronto. I have a meeting with him this Friday. I do not think it is an interview but rather a meet and great and if all ends well, eventually I will get a full time offer after finishing my undergrad this school year. Any advice on where you believe the conversation will go would help. Is there any way to prepare for this? How can I impress him? Id like to become a broker one day.

Any advice helps.

Thanks
[{"id": "dj3ywtc", "text": "Create Google Alert of firm, contacts name, and specific name of team in which he is involved. Read about recent properties that his/her team has brokered. Most of CRE knowledge is based on geographic knowledge of locale (i.e. knowing physical layout of buildings and knowing of property opportunities for clients. Learn about Toronto and its neighborhoods. Meet and greet will likely be chance to determine if you're the right fit for the office, so prepare way to concisely and concretely tell how you and your background will help produce deals. Finally, junior associate position at brokerage firm is glorified sales position opening deals for your senior brokers to close, so tell them you like sales and like to talk to people. ", "replies": [{"id": "dj4b07h", "text": "Second everything this guy says. If you can speak to a specific deal, talk about why it was interesting or talk about the players involved, I'm sure they will be impressed. ", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dj3yx0b", "text": "Be confident without being arrogant. ", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dj44zhb", "text": "It will largely depend on the relationship your boss has with Cushman. \n\nAnd VP does not mean shit. Figure out if this is a broker or a manager. My guess is that this is a broker and you will be looking to fill a runner position, which means you are on the brokerage tract. \n\nThe most important part of being a broker is being likable and knowledgeable and those are things that cannot be taught. \n\nMy advice is the same as to all my brokers, know your market, know your clients. \n\nLook this guy up and see who his clients are, learn his business, see what deals he has done and what his reputation is. \n\nBest you can do is not make your current boss look like a fool. He is going out on a limb to recommend you so as long as you don't come off as a doofus you are fine. \n\nGetting your foot in the door is the hardest part, so best of luck! \n", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dj4gwvc", "text": "What field?\n\nI recommend looking into appraisal. There is a need for commercial real estate appraisers at the moment, and it's easily the bet way to learn the fundamentals of real estate.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dj4wq9f", "text": "I had a very similar path as you, and I met with dozens of real estate professionals (although I ended up a research analyst- brokerage not my style). When I'd meet with people, they usually wanted to get to know me first and what I wanted to do. After quickly introducing myself and explaining my interests, I started asking them the questions - \"how did you get started in real estate? Did you enjoy that? What made you decide to go that route? Would you do it again? What advice do you have for getting started? What DONT you like about the business? (Usually my guys would mention a office pettiness or something like that). How would you describe the culture at *cushman*? How can I prepare myself for down the road when it's time for me to start applying?\" Etc etc. I tended to stay away from current events because they talk about that ALL day (or at least we do at my office). So don't bother bringing up market trends or any of that - this is a chance to get to know the guy and show him that you're interested. Learning about the market will come once you have a job. (If you were 10 years older, it'd be a different story, but nobody expects you to know anything about current trends). When you're wrapping it up, hand him a resume, and let him know that if he has any advice on improving it that you're very open for that input. Also, if appropriate, ask him if there is anyone else he recommends you meet with. He may give you a couple names. If he does, shoot those guys an email. If you want advice on sending out emails feel free to ask me. Make sure you get his business card (with address). If you want to go all out (I did this), write up a thank you letter as soon as you get home and mail it to his office. If you do that Friday, he'll get it on Monday or Tuesday and it'll make a big difference. Doesn't have to be long. \n\nGood luck man. You got this. Also just for background - I moved states without a job and started networking exactly like this. After meeting about 25-30 guys, I got 2 interviews and accepted a job at JLL. I still email those guys about every 6 months just to stay fresh and up to date with them, and a few of them still reach out to me with job opportunities that they hear about. \n\nQuick edit: knowing market trends would definitely be helpful, but his knowledge would be at such a higher level... it'd be like you talking about algebra, or your major, with a 10 year old. Show interest by wanting to get to know him and how Cushman culture is, not by impressing him with your knowledge of the market. Just my two cents. Also as a last minute thought- when he (or anyone) asks you why you want to get into real estate brokerage, have an answer ready. My answer was it's a great balance between making deals and meeting with people (I'm very social), and numbers and math (finance degree). Again, good luck to you. Now I'm interested to see how it goes ", "replies": [{"id": "dj5rhsu", "text": "Great response. I truly agree with \"knowing market trends would definitely be helpful, but his knowledge would be at such a higher level... it'd be like you talking about algebra, or your major, with a 10 year old.\" and \"I tended to stay away from current events because they talk about that ALL day\". Also agree with this because it is true about myself: \" My answer was it's a great balance between making deals and meeting with people (I'm very social), and numbers and math (finance degree)\"\n\nAppreciate the help!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dj9metd", "text": "What is your GPA?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]