9 tips for hiring real estate students other than through traditional, on-campus recruitment

Recruiting real estate students can be highly effective through methods that go beyond traditional on-campus interviews. Employers can partner with universities and business schools offering real estate programs to provide internships, externships, or mentorship opportunities. These hands-on experiences allow students to gain practical knowledge in property management, real estate investment, brokerage, and development while building a connection with the company. Engaging students early in their education helps foster a pipeline of future talent for roles in sales, analysis, or project management.

Additionally, leveraging online platforms and virtual engagement can be valuable for reaching real estate students. Posting internships or entry-level roles on industry-specific job boards and professional networks like LinkedIn can help attract students actively seeking real estate experience. Virtual events, such as property tours, market analysis workshops, or webinars featuring industry leaders, provide an engaging way to connect with students and showcase the company’s expertise and opportunities. These digital strategies broaden the reach of employers, enabling them to attract top real estate talent without solely relying on traditional campus recruitment methods.

In the quest to attract the brightest minds in real estate from colleges and universities, we’ve gathered nine innovative strategies from industry experts, including owners and founders. From partnering with real estate organizations to participating in industry competitions, discover how Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies can connect with emerging talent beyond traditional campus recruiting.

• Partner with Real Estate Organizations
• Sponsor Industry-Specific Events
• Host Real Estate Webinars
• Collaborate on University Projects
• Engage Through Social Media
• Network at Industry Conferences
• Implement Structured Internship Programs
• Organize Virtual Career Fairs
• Participate in Industry Competitions

Partner with Real Estate Organizations

I’d suggest exploring partnerships with real-estate-focused professional organizations and online communities. These groups often have members who are not just interested but actively engaged in the real estate sector.

You can tap into a network of candidates who are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about real estate by collaborating with these organizations or engaging in their online forums and webinars. This approach not only broadens your reach but also demonstrates your commitment to the industry and its future professionals. It’s a more targeted and dynamic way to connect with emerging talent who are ready to make an impact.

Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative & Montreal Division Manager, Precondo

Sponsor Industry-Specific Events

Partner with university career centers and professional organizations focused on real estate. These partnerships can facilitate access to a pool of qualified candidates through tailored recruitment initiatives.

Consider sponsoring industry-specific workshops, webinars, or networking events hosted by these career centers or organizations. These events can serve as platforms for students and recent graduates to learn more about the industry and connect directly with your company. By actively participating in these educational opportunities, you position your company as a valuable resource and attract top talent interested in real estate careers.

Developing targeted internship programs with universities can also help cultivate a pipeline of future employees. Offering structured internships that provide real-world experience and mentorship can be a great way to identify and nurture potential hires early in their careers.

By engaging directly with educational institutions and professional organizations, you create meaningful connections with up-and-coming talent and establish your company as a key player in the industry.

John Gluch, Owner, Gluch Group

Host Real Estate Webinars

I’ve seen incredible results from hosting webinars that showcase real-world projects and challenges in the real estate industry. These online sessions not only attract talented students but also give them a taste of what working in our field is really like. We’ve even offered virtual shadowing opportunities, which have been instrumental in identifying top candidates who are genuinely passionate about real estate.

Catherine Mack, Owner, House Buyer Network

Collaborate on University Projects

Partnering with local universities for real-world project collaborations has been a game-changer for us. We’ve had students work on actual property renovation plans, giving them hands-on experience while we identify top talent. It’s a win-win—they get practical skills, and we get to mentor potential future team members who already understand our unique approach to real estate.

Brandon Hardiman, Founder, Yellow Hammer Home Buyers

Engage Through Social Media

If on-campus recruiting is not a viable option for your organization, there are other ways to reach out to college and university students. One top tip is to utilize social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. These platforms have become popular among students in their job search process and can be an effective way to engage with them.

Additionally, reaching out directly to professors or department heads in the real estate programs at universities can also be helpful. These individuals often have connections to their students and may be able to recommend top candidates for your organization.

Darcy Turner, Acquisition Manager, Investor Home Buyers

Network at Industry Conferences

Industry conferences and events provide an excellent opportunity for companies to connect with students interested in real-estate roles. These gatherings often attract a diverse group of professionals, ranging from industry veterans to students and recent graduates eager to break into the field. Attendees have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, attend workshops, and listen to keynotes that offer insights into the latest industry trends and innovations. 

By participating in these events, companies can network with potential candidates and showcase their company culture, values, and career opportunities in a more informal and engaging setting. This interaction allows businesses to establish a positive presence within the industry and develop relationships with the next generation of real estate professionals.

Zach Shepard, Principal, Braddock Investment Group Inc

Implement Structured Internship Programs

My top tip for Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies that want to hire college and university students and recent graduates, but are looking for an alternative to on-campus recruiting, is to consider internship programs. The truth is, internship programs are a great way to attract college and university students because, in addition to being an opportunity for them to develop skills and pursue their interests, it also doubles as a chance for them to pursue their professional careers in a work environment where they can benefit from research and learn from people with many years of experience in the real estate industry.

The way I see it, what makes hosting internship programs the best alternative for Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies to attract college and university students, is the fact that it centers on creating a work experience that plays the effective role of being the building blocks that structure the fundamental foundations of their careers. This experience helps in balancing the education these students are receiving. 

Here’s what I mean: While students gain theoretical knowledge at their colleges and universities, their hands-on practical experience as interns helps create the balance. Plus, Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies would benefit because they would have the opportunity to mold these students into becoming the exact talent their businesses need.

Grace Chisom, Marketing Manager, Property and Sales Representative, British Columbia Property Buyers

Organize Virtual Career Fairs

An alternative to traditional on-campus recruiting for real estate positions is the virtual career fair. These online events enable companies and organizations to engage with a broad range of potential candidates without needing to be physically present on campus.

Virtual career fairs offer several benefits for both employers and job seekers. For organizations, they provide a cost-effective way to reach a diverse group of students from various universities and colleges. They also eliminate travel expenses and logistical challenges associated with on-campus recruiting.

For students and recent graduates, virtual career fairs offer convenience as they can attend from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows them to explore job opportunities outside of their immediate geographical area. Additionally, virtual career fairs often offer a wider range of industries and roles, giving candidates more options to choose from.

To make the most out of virtual career fairs, employers should approach them with the same level of preparation and professionalism as they would for on-campus recruiting events. This includes creating a strong online presence, promoting their company culture and values, and actively engaging with candidates during the event.

Keith Sant, Founder & CEO, Kind House Buyers

Participate in Industry Competitions

During my time at the University of Denver, where I received my Master’s in Real Estate & Construction Management, I had the opportunity to participate in the NAIOP challenge, which was a pivotal experience in my career development. This competition not only honed my skills in real estate investment and development but also significantly expanded my network by connecting me with some of the largest players in the real estate private equity market. These connections provided invaluable insights and access to opportunities that would have been difficult to attain through traditional recruitment channels.

For Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies looking to hire college students or recent graduates, in addition to utilizing on-campus recruiting, I recommend leveraging industry-specific platforms and events, like the NAIOP challenge. By engaging with students in these competitive environments, you can identify top talent who already have hands-on experience and industry connections, making them well-suited for real estate roles. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Handshake, or SelectLeaders, combined with partnerships in industry events, offer access to a broader, more diverse pool of candidates with targeted skills and interest in real estate.

This strategy enables you to tap into a highly engaged talent base while avoiding the geographic limitations of traditional on-campus recruiting, giving your organization access to candidates who are already connected with key industry players.

Jonathan Thompson, Partner, Trio CRE