This summer, students from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics discovered new avenues for professional preparation and practical hands-on experience. Lerner College students pursued an array of internships, externships and other professional development opportunities. From MBA scholars to undergraduates entering their second year at UD, students across a spectrum of Lerner programs shared their experiences accomplishing an assortment of projects.
Our “My Summer Internship” series highlights these unique experiences, showcasing how students translated classroom knowledge into real-world success.
Kieran Laul, Class of 2027 entrepreneurship major with a minor in advertising, spent his summer as a facilities management intern at JLL.
Lerner: How did you find out about this internship? Why did you pursue it?
Laul: I discovered this internship while taking Ted Foltyn’s ENTR260 class, “Landing Your Dream Internship.” Throughout this course, we refined our resumes, built effective LinkedIn profiles, and researched companies we were interested in. As my interest in the commercial real estate industry was growing, JLL came to the forefront of my mind as it is one of the leading global firms. They also offered a wide variety of internship programs suitable for many different interests. This was also helpful, as my interest in a specific role was limited. The facilities management program suited my needs perfectly and built a solid foundation for my future.
Lerner: What was the most exciting task or project that you completed?
Laul: The most exciting project that I worked on throughout my internship was a workplace experience project. Throughout this project I had the opportunity to explore numerous JLL-managed properties throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. I was given exposure to every element which keeps a property running. I was then tasked with innovating ways to improve various financial firms’ environments. This project bridged the gap between the technical and hospitality sides of property management.
Lerner: What did you learn from the internship that you think you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?
Laul: I learned how much behind-the-scenes coordination goes into keeping each and every building running and maintained. From managing service vendors to upholding employee expectations, I gained a very real understanding of how crucial facilities management is to the greater CRE industry.
Lerner: What is an example of a time where you were able to apply what you’ve learned at Lerner to your role?
Laul: Understanding Excel was critical during a project where I created a way to easily access property data. Also, being able to network effectively is something that Lerner has helped with greatly.
Lerner: Did you face any challenges during your internship? If so, what was the issue and how did you overcome it?
Laul: The most notable challenge I faced was the use of technical terms. It’s very easy to get lost in a corporate setting when you’re hearing new terms and acronyms. I tried to always ask questions in order to learn as much as possible.
Lerner: What are your career plans, and how do you think the internship will push you closer to your professional goals?
Laul: My professional plan is to be a commercial real estate broker. This internship has built a very strong foundation and has given me a well-rounded understanding of what keeps an office space running efficiently. This will be crucial as I continue to pursue my career in the industry.