CBRE’s Indigenous Student Internship program is in its second year, providing an opportunity for Indigenous students across the country to gain professional experience in commercial real estate in an intensive 12-week program.
“It’s part of our commitment to Reconciliation,” says Katie O’Brien, Manager, Community and Culture, Canada for CBRE Limited. “We’re leaning into supporting our Indigenous youth by connecting with student organizations across the country.
“The quality of our applicants has blown me away the last couple of years.”
Here are what some of this year’s interns have to share about their experiences in the program.
Finley Folkett | Manitoba
I am a Red River Métis from Manitoba. I spent two years studying criminology and environmental science at the University of Southern Maine before moving to the University of British Columbia to pursue a Bachelor degree in Indigenous Land Stewardship.
I wasn’t too familiar with commercial real estate going into the program, but I knew it fit into what I was studying at school. What really drew me in was the prospect of blending together my education and Indigenous identity and putting that all into a professional, corporate setting. I was also drawn to learning more about business and marketing.
I’m learning so much about how a company functions, and getting to connect with different stakeholders has been incredible because I’m picking up new information every day. Up until this point, I would have never thought that community and culture was even an option inside a large business.
I’m currently working with other interns to create a National Indigenous Engagement Framework for CBRE. Getting to collaborate with other Indigenous students from different backgrounds was something I never thought would actually happen and is by far the most rewarding thing about the program.
I eventually see myself working with my community and being a bridge that connects Indigenous people to Western institutions. In one way or another, I’d like to be a voice for Indigenous people across Canada.
Crystall Webber | British Columbia
I’m a member of the ‘Nangis First Nation in Alert Bay, British Columbia. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from McEwan University in Edmonton and am currently studying environmental technology at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
I wanted to find work that aligns with my long-term goals, specifically Indigenous engagement. I found it here – as an intern, my main task is increasing Indigenous community engagement through a National Indigenous Engagement Framework for Canadian employees at CBRE.
It’s been a great run so far. I find it rewarding to develop my professional skills – communication, project coordination, relationship building – and get much-needed work experience outside of an academic environment.
Doing lots of outreach and building relationships with Indigenous community centres and schools, while challenging at times, has been great practice for a future career in this field. The work I’m doing feels genuine. Rather than just an item to tick off a list, we’re working toward Reconciliation by implementing a clear communication framework.
Eventually, I’d like to pursue a career in environmental protection or Indigenous consultation.
Grace Benac | Quebec
I’m a member of the Cree Nation of Mistissini in northern Quebec. I’m currently studying psychology at McGill University in Montreal.
I was looking for something that feels meaningful and connects to my identity and background, and this program felt like the right fit. I’ve always been interested in working in a career that’s focused on helping Indigenous people and I feel more confident now that this is the route I want to go.
I’m working together with other interns in the program on creating a national Indigenous engagement guide, writing a series of newsletters for National Indigenous History Month and researching cultural awareness training for Canadian CBRE employees.
I wasn’t familiar with commercial real estate going into the program and feel I’ve learned so much about it already. More importantly, though, I’m learning about the many diverse roles and responsibilities that CBRE has to offer and am getting lots of clarity about my career along the way.
I eventually see myself moving back to my community and working at one of the businesses we have there, preferably in a role that continues to support Indigenous people.
Wherever I end up 10 years from now, going back to my roots is a must.
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