Candidate Resource Center

3 min read.

Job and internship fairs are currently underway for summer 2026 opportunities, and for prospective college students pursuing a CRE role, now is the time for polishing dress shoes as well as resumes. These events are incredible opportunities and students should come prepared, especially considering that after a fair, approximately 25% of students receive a job offer and 45% are invited to interview, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.CRE executive recruiting firm SelectLeaders shared some tips for how college students can impress company representatives with their industry knowledge and preparedness.Do Prep WorkRather than approaching every CRE company blindly, prospective candidates should do their research beforehand, paying attention to a company’s mission and values and the roles they’re hiring for that can fit their career goals. This will pave the way for more intentional, memorable conversations.For students who need help with navigating their specific direction in CRE, Adventures in CRE suggests looking into the following information:JobsIncluding: asset manager, developer, property manager, investor relations, appraisal and valuationAsset classesIncluding: office, multifamily, retail, hotel, industrialFirms Including: general and limited partner, adviserAdventures in CRE also recommends getting in touch with industry professionals whose work aligns with what you want to do to gain insight into the day-to-day tasks and the aspects of their job.“In CRE, relationships drive opportunity,” said SelectLeaders Managing Director Ryan Neale. “Whether it’s a career fair, Bisnow event or a coffee chat, listen more than you talk, show genuine interest, ask great questions and follow up. Those small steps can open big doors.”Come In With Talking PointsMaking a good first impression is key for candidates to ensure that their name comes to mind when the company’s representatives make their hiring decisions. One way to do that is to show up having prepared questions around the following topics:What the day-to-day looks likeWhat qualities and experience are needed How employees can progress in their careers How employees are evaluated on their workWhat professional development opportunities existWhat the company culture looks likeWhat to expect during hiring“Our industry rewards those who are proactive,” Neale said. “If you can demonstrate how you’d add value to a project — whether through analysis, marketing, or problem-solving — you’re already thinking like someone in the industry.”Align LinkedIn Page With ResumeAlong with having updated printed resumes, prospective candidates should also have their LinkedIn updated — and make sure both have the same information.Sudina Search said that when someone’s resume and LinkedIn have different information, it may cause recruiters to question the details e, which can impact the candidate’s credibility. Also, if recruiters are hiring via LinkedIn, they can risk being overlooked for jobs.While candidates should be updating their information when there’s a change, CNBC also suggests updating a resume quarterly and after a performance review, updating data that support accomplishments and how their role has evolved.College students can get started in their CRE career by creating their profile and uploading their resume on SelectLeaders. They can also use its job board to extend their job and internship search and filter by role, asset class, experience level and location.“Your future in CRE starts with visibility,” Neale said. “The more you put yourself out there — from career fairs to platforms like SelectLeaders — the more opportunities will find you. It’s about being ready when preparation meets chance.”