Building a Career in Commercial Real Estate as a Student Athlete

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The industry I plan on pursuing is commercial real estate with a focus on development and construction. I am currently a Business Administration major and Real Estate minor at the University of San Diego, and I am seeking internship opportunities this summer along with full time employment after graduating next fall. My career interests include project management, asset management, and commercial brokerage. The commercial real estate industry, especially in San Diego, is extremely competitive even for students at USD. Building strong connections and gaining real world experience are important factors that help students stand out in the market. Through networking, coursework, and conversations with professionals, I have learned how important relationships are within the industry.

 

This summer, I will be interning at NAI Capital near my hometown. During the eight week program, I will be shadowing a commercial real estate broker who specializes in leasing industrial properties. I am excited to learn more about the day to day responsibilities of brokerage, especially touring properties, observing client interactions, and understanding how deals are structured. I am also looking forward to learning how brokers communicate with clients and build relationships through calls and meetings. One adjustment I know I will have to make is balancing the longer commute and earlier mornings. The office is located in Encino, about thirty minutes from my house, which will be an adjustment but one that will make me more professional.

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In five to ten years, I see myself growing within a stable and respected company while continuing to develop professionally and personally. My goal is to eventually work toward a Vice President or Senior Management position where I can contribute to projects, mentor others, and continue learning from both successes and challenges. I believe the industry rewards people who are adaptable, motivated, and willing to consistently improve themselves over time.

 

My competitive advantage comes from my background as a collegiate athlete. Playing high school football and college rugby taught me discipline, accountability, resilience, and how to overcome adversity. In football, I started as an undersized freshman and had to work hard physically and mentally to become a starter by my senior year. Rugby challenged me even more because I entered the sport with no prior experience, which humbled me and pushed me to constantly improve. Over time, I developed into a leader on the rugby team and eventually became a captain while helping our team achieve one of its strongest seasons. I believe the lessons I learned through sports will translate directly into commercial real estate because the industry rewards discipline, communication, competitiveness, and the ability to continue learning.

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What Rugby Has Taught Me About Leadership and Real Estate

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Playing rugby at the University of San Diego has taught me lessons that extend far beyond sports. Rugby is a physically and mentally demanding game that requires discipline, communication, accountability, and teamwork. As I have become more involved in commercial real estate, I have realized many of the same qualities that matter on the field also apply directly to business and investing. In both environments, success depends on preparation, trust, and the ability to work effectively with others toward a common goal. 

 

One of the biggest lessons rugby has taught me is resilience. When I first started playing rugby, I had no prior experience, unlike football where I had already spent years developing my skills. Rugby humbled me as an athlete because I had to learn an entirely new game while competing against experienced players. Over time, I learned new techniques, adapted to different positions, and eventually became one of the team captains during one of our strongest seasons. Those experiences taught me how important it is to stay disciplined and continue improving even when facing setbacks or failure.

Rugby has also shown me the importance of leadership and communication. Every player on the field has a role, and success depends on trust between teammates. Commercial real estate works in a similar way because professionals constantly collaborate with brokers, lenders, investors, property managers, and clients. Whether working on development projects, leasing deals, or asset management strategies, communication and strong relationships are essential.

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Another lesson I have learned through sports is the value of culture and winning environments. My high school football team struggled during one season, which negatively affected confidence and team chemistry. Rugby was different because our success created stronger relationships, accountability, and motivation throughout the team. That experience showed me how leadership and culture can impact performance both in sports and business. As I continue pursuing a career in commercial real estate, I believe the mindset and discipline developed through rugby will continue helping me grow professionally and personally.