At LRE & Co, mentoring the next generation has always been more than a good idea — it’s a genuine passion. We believe that the lessons learned early in a career can shape a person for life. I started my first job at 15½, working at McDonald’s, and the values that experience instilled in me — hard work, accountability, and showing up — still guide everything I do today. That’s why we are committed to building a robust internship and mentorship program that gives young people real, hands-on experience in real estate development throughout the year. We want students to leave our doors with a lasting skill set, a stronger professional foundation, and a genuine understanding of how this industry works.

Today, we are proud to welcome Nyah Patel to the LRE family. Nyah has hit the ground running — diving into tenant research, sharpening her professional communication skills, and bringing an energy and curiosity that has impressed our entire team. We hope this experience is the foundation of something lasting for her.

Here’s what she had to say about her time with us so far.

What made you interested in interning at LRE?  I’ve always been interested in business and in learning how different buildings and developments come to life. When this opportunity was offered to me, I was very excited to gain hands-on experience in a real professional environment.

What kind of work have you been helping with so far? I’ve been researching potential tenants for our development sites, which has given me a closer look at how the leasing and retail sides of real estate work.

What has been the biggest thing you have learned during your internship? I’ve learned how to stay focused and organized in a professional setting. I’ve also developed practical skills in professional communication, such as writing effective emails and understanding how important it is to follow up consistently.

What part of the business has been most interesting to you: hotels, retail, restaurants, construction, finance, or operations? Finance and retail have stood out the most to me. Both areas feel closely connected to the bigger picture of how a development comes together and succeeds.

What is one task or project that surprised you? I was surprised by how much persistence it takes to move a deal forward. If you want something to happen, you have to keep pushing and reaching out because these deals don’t close on their own.

What skill do you feel you are building through this internship? I’m building confidence in communicating professionally with adults and learning how to ask the right questions. I’ve also improved my ability to research thoroughly and develop a solid understanding of topics I wasn’t familiar with before.

How is working in a real business environment different from school? In school, you’re usually given clear instructions to follow. But here, you have to think independently and approach problems creatively. 

What have you learned about responsibility, communication, and deadlines? I’ve learned that communication is everything, including asking questions and staying in contact with your team, which shows dedication and keeps things moving. I’ve also taken on a greater sense of responsibility, knowing that my work affects not just me but the people I’m working with.

What is something you understand better now about real estate development? I have a much better understanding of the full process behind how the buildings around us are developed and just how long and complex that process really is.

What advice would you give another high school student starting their first internship? Never stop asking questions, as it’s one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned. It shows that you care and helps you gain a better understanding of whatever you’re working on. 

What has been your favorite part of the internship so far? My favorite part has been learning about the many steps involved in developing a building. There’s so much more to it than most people realize, and seeing that process up close has been really eye-opening.

What do you hope to learn by the end of your internship? I hope to leave as a stronger communicator and a more creative thinker. I hope to approach challenges with confidence and find solutions that aren’t always obvious at first.