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CREF Careers Student Fellowship Program

This valuable Fellowship program is for students interested in learning more about internships, jobs, and careers in the $4.7 trillion commercial real estate finance industry. It is designed to help participants learn more about commercial real estate finance and connect with leading professionals who can help them thrive in this exciting industry.

Who Should Apply: Open to current college or university students, applications for the Fellowship are specifically encouraged from underrepresented groups such as non-white or bi-racial; lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender; or female.  

When and What: The program will run through the course of the 2024-2025 school year and includes:

  • Monthly virtual seminars with industry leaders/professionals
  • Career coaching from HR professionals at leading commercial real estate firms
  • Mentorship opportunities with top commercial real estate finance professionals
  • Attendance at MBA’s 2025 Commercial Real Estate Finance (CREF) Convention in San Diego, the largest gathering of CREF professionals in the nation (stipend for travel, lodging, and expenses included)
  • Consideration for the all-new David H. Stevens Real Estate Scholarship
  • And more

How to Apply: To apply to become a CREF Careers Student Fellow, please apply and submit your resume, a letter of recommendation, and a copy of your most recent transcript via the buttons below. Applications should be received by  July 31, 2024. If you have any questions, please email us.

See What Past Fellows Have to Say

Thanks to the MBA CREF Careers Fellowship, I now feel equipped with both the knowledge and the network to excel in the competitive world of Commercial Real Estate. It's not just a fellowship; it's a transformative experience that has empowered me to make meaningful strides toward my professional aspirations.

Amari Patterson, Howard University '24 (2023 Fellow)

I am deeply honored to have been chosen by the selection committee. Their belief in my potential as a future leading professional in commercial real estate finance is truly inspiring. The CREF Student Fellowship...provides an invaluable opportunity for industry exposure and career advancement.

Jackeima Flemming, The University of the Virgin Islands '24 (2023 Fellow)

MBA CREF24...can be described in just three words - Learn, Live, Laugh... I gained insightful information into the commercial/multifamily real estate industry. While learning, we were able to live, taking full advantage of the networking opportunities by connecting with other like-minded fellows and connecting with professionals in the commercial/multifamily real estate industry... I fully recommend this conference to those interested!

Allysha Fischbacher, Benedict College '24 (2023 Fellow)

I am grateful to the MBA for exposing me to the world of commercial real estate and introducing me to industry leaders who will have far-reaching impacts on my career.

Aram Apanian, University of Southern California '24 (2022 Fellow)

MBA's Commercial Real Estate Finance Student Fellowship program was a transformative experience that solidified my interest in pursuing a commercial real estate finance career... The monthly virtual seminars with commercial real estate industry leaders were a program highlight for me. They provided a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the business and receive valuable advice and guidance.

Jasmine Foster, University of Rochester '24 (2022 Fellow)

The MBA CREF Careers Fellowship program allowed me to gain first-hand knowledge from career professionals leading in the Commercial Real Estate Finance Industry... The 2023 CREF Convention in San Diego was an extraordinary opportunity to put the knowledge gained during the webinars into meaningful use.

Faith Johnson, North Carolina A&T State University ‘23 (2022 Fellow)

I’m extremely thankful for the connections I made, as well as the opportunity to learn from industry leaders about what commercial real estate entails... I will never forget my first (and not last) CREF Convention hosted by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Brian Rogers, Howard University '25 (2022 Fellow)

2023 CREF Careers Student Fellows


Taylor Campbell
Howard University '25


Allysha Fischbacher
Benedict College '24


Jackeima Flemming
The University of the Virgin Islands '24


Christian Jennings
George Washington University '25


Emmy Khuu
University of California, Los Angeles '24


Christian Lam
Boston College '25


Teasha McKoy
University at Buffalo Graduate Student


Amari Patterson
Howard University '24


Juan Pulido
Florida State University '24


Matthew Stern
University of Southern California '24


Mariam Tran
Southern Methodist University '25


Leyha Williams
Howard University '24

2022 CREF Careers Student Fellows


Aram Apanian
University of Southern California '24


Austen Cannon
University of Miami '25


Simone Edmundson 
North Carolina Central University '23


Abraham Espinoza 
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) '23


Jasmine Foster
University of Rochester '24


Faith Johnson
North Carolina A&T State University '23


Emily LaCour 
Florida State University (Graduate Student)


Erick Martinez
Indiana University '24


Angel Mendoza 
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) '24


Cheyanne Powell 
Benedict College '23


Brian Rogers
Howard University '25


Linh Tran 
University of Wisconsin-Madison (Graduate Student)

Contact Us

For more information contact us at [email protected] or (202) 557-2863.