Northmarq interns share their biggest lessons from summer 2026

What does a Northmarq internship actually look like?

From underwriting commercial real estate transactions to tackling AI-focused business challenges, Northmarq interns spent the summer contributing to meaningful work across the organization.

Through hands-on projects, mentorship and collaboration with teams across the company, they gained firsthand exposure to the business while developing skills that will support their future careers.

With many interns wrapping up their Northmarq experience at the end of this month, we asked several members of the 2026 intern class to reflect on the projects, relationships and lessons that made the biggest impact.

Exposure to real transactions

For Aidan Namkoong, a Dallas-based Northmarq Agency intern, exposure to real transactions has provided valuable insight into commercial real estate. Through Northmarq’s rotational program, he worked alongside analysts and learned how deals move from evaluation to execution.

"During the underwriting rotation, we were assigned a past deal and worked through everything from third-party reports to rent rolls and financial analysis,” Namkoong said. “We learned how to identify risks, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately determine whether we would pursue the deal.”

Beyond underwriting and deal analysis, Namkoong said the internship provided deeper understanding of Northmarq’s operations and how different teams contribute to the company’s success. 

His actual experience also reinforced what initially attracted him to the firm.

“When I was looking for an internship that combined rigorous research with hands-on learning, Northmarq stood out,” Namkoong said. “It gave me the opportunity to build my knowledge and apply it to real deals the firm was actively working on.”

Innovation through experience

For Kristi Torczynski, a Denver-based Loan Servicing intern, a highlight of her internship was working on an AI-focused process improvement project that her team presented to senior leaders. 

“We had the opportunity to talk to people, find pain points within either processes or departments and recommended improvements,” Torczynski said of the project. “Working on this project, I have come to realize what I’m looking for in my career. Northmarq provided the opportunity to find where my skills and interests align.”

Through the project itself, Torczynski discovered an interest in planning, problem-solving and creative work — including coordinating team responsibilities and designing the group’s final presentation. 

The project challenged Torczynski and her teammates to collaborate with stakeholders inside and outside of Loan Servicing, providing firsthand experience in solving real business challenges. 

Beyond project work, she noted how the internship provided valuable insight into Northmarq’s culture and organization. 

“The executive speaker series gave me a deep understanding of Northmarq’s business and values,” Torczynski said. “It was great to see how that translates into the work being done across the company.”

Building meaningful connections

Raouf Elsaadany, a Chicago-based Commercial Investment Sales intern, underscored the importance of building strong relationships throughout the summer. His experience reinforced the value of collaboration and strong teams.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of building relationships with the people around you,” Elsaadany said. “When you take the time to get to know your teammates, collaboration becomes easier and asking for help feels more natural. The people you work with can have just as much impact on your experience as the work itself.”

In addition to supporting Investment Sales initiatives, Elsaadany contributed to an AI-focused project designed to help teams organize information more effectively.

The experience also reinforced the qualities that originally drew him to Northmarq: the firm’s scale and connected culture. 

“What really drew me to Northmarq was the opportunity to work on large-scale transactions while still being part of a close-knit, collaborative culture,” Elsaadany said. “It’s a place where you can make a meaningful impact from Day One.”

Looking ahead

The internship program continues to deliver lasting value for both interns and Northmarq.

Recruitment for Northmarq’s summer 2027 internship program begins this fall. For prospective candidates, visit our careers page to explore opportunities as they become available.