‘A place to grow and thrive’: Northmarq’s Bridge Program participants reflect on their experiences
The initiative introduces college students to our company and to learn more about commercial real estate — creating opportunities for mentorship, growth and future career opportunities.
MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 17, 2025) — For the second consecutive year, Northmarq organized a Bridge Program in partnership with Project Destined — engaging 20 college students from across the country.
The program offers students hands-on learning about Northmarq and the commercial real estate industry, networking opportunities and exposure to Northmarq team members through virtual and in-person opportunities.
This year’s program received over 250 applicants, and Northmarq selected 20 students to participate in our program. Students are chosen based on their:
- Engagement with Project Destined.
- Grade point average.
- Current and past work/school experience.
- And more.
Two participants from Northmarq’s last two Bridge Programs provided some insights on their experiences.
From Bridge Program to Northmarq: Isaac’s journey
Isaac Ramirez participated in the 2025 Bridge Program and that led to him become a member of the Northmarq Agency team.
For him, Project Destined was a gateway to real-world experience.
“During my undergrad, I developed a strong interest in commercial real estate,” said Isaac, who’s based in Denver. “My school’s real estate program was fairly new, and Project Destined was highly recommended for gaining hands-on experience. I applied and really enjoyed the flexible structure, practical curriculum and exposure the program provided.”
One of Isaac’s most memorable moments was touring Northmarq’s Denver office during the in-person portion of the program.
“Being able to go into the office, meet other Project Destined students and interact directly with Northmarq employees made the experience feel more personal and engaging,” he said. “The genuine rapport I built with employees made the biggest impact. People were welcoming and interested not only in my work but also in who I am outside the office. That sense of connection made Northmarq feel like a place where I could grow and thrive.”
Isaac’s experience in the Bridge Program reflects its purpose: creating pathways for talented students to enter the commercial real estate industry.
The power of mentorship: David’s growth story
David Salazar, a University of Texas at Dallas student and 2024 Northmarq Bridge Program participant, shared a similar sentiment.
After pivoting from a potential career in professional golf — he’s on his school’s golf team — David discovered Project Destined while searching for student-learning programs.
“The Bridge Program was one of the most impactful learning experiences I’ve had,” said David, who was a Northmarq Agency intern this past summer and is expected to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in finance. “The program blended technical training with direct mentorship from Northmarq producers and analysts, and I had the chance to ask detailed questions about the capital stack, agency underwriting and day-to-day expectations for analysts.”David said the program gave him clarity on how deals move from concept to closing and strengthened his communication, teamwork and presentation skills.
“Through the Bridge Program and subsequent follow-ups, I’ve built strong relationships with several Northmarq leaders,” he said.
David met Deon Green and Kyle Summerford — Debt + Equity vice presidents in Dallas — at the 2024 in-person site visit to the Dallas office, and they developed a mentor-mentee relationship.
“What has stood out the most is how willing these professionals are to help me — whether it’s taking a call, answering questions or meeting for coffee,” David added. “These relationships have given me clarity on the analyst role and a deeper understanding of what long-term growth at Northmarq looks like.”
Northmarq’s partnership with Project Destined is about more than education
Northmarq’s partnership with Project Destined reflects a commitment to developing diverse talent and creating pathways into commercial real estate. The Bridge Program equips students with technical knowledge and fosters connections that can lead to internships and full-time roles.
“Our partnership with Project Destined is about more than education — it’s about opening doors,” said Kim Breck, Northmarq’s director of Talent & Development. “We want students to see themselves in this industry and know there’s a place for them here. Initiatives like the Bridge Program help us build that bridge.”