American Investment Properties’ Internship Program

At American Investment Properties (AIP), we believe that an internship can be an extremely valuable experience providing exposure for young adults into exciting, challenging, and rewarding industries.

As you may know, each year American Investment Properties provides opportunities for High School and College students who are interested in exploring the commercial real estate (CRE) industry. Our internship program provides a meaningful introduction into commercial real estate. As our interns work closely with AIP President, Ron Koenigsberg, they have direct exposure to live projects and deals. This experience provides interns with first-hand intricacies of commercial real estate, something that is invaluable when learning and exploring an industry that can be as complex as CRE.

Our interns quickly become a vital part of our team. An internship with AIP can lead to a thriving and lasting career in the industry, and sometimes even a career with American Investment Properties. We have had many different interns move through AIP and become very successful in their new career roles, for example leading to outside roles such as: Director of Leasing, Director of Operations, and Tenant Service Coordinator. Also, we would be at fault not to mention our very own team member, Samantha Ray, who began her career at AIP as an intern and is now our Head of Escrow and Senior Associate.

Today we’re here to interview our current intern, Shaune Killough. Shaune has already become an integral member of our team, and brings much to the table at American Investment Properties.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on Long Island, specifically Glenwood Landing, which is just outside of Glen Cove. I have been here my whole life but grew up in a Texan family – therefore, I’m basically a fast-talking-New-Yorker with a mix of southern hospitality.

Where do you go to college and what are you majoring in?

I am currently attending SUNY Oswego and will be graduating in May 2016. Although I am studying video production, I wanted to experience a change of pace which led me to commercial real estate.

What is your current position with American Investment Properties (AIP)?

I am currently a commercial real estate intern and am hoping to get my license and become a broker.

How did you hear about a career opportunity with AIP?

Actually, Craigslist on a whim… I had heard about the commercial real estate industry from a housemate of mine and found it interesting, so I went online to search a bit and ended up finding exactly what I was looking for through American Investment Properties internship program. That night I created a resume and applied for the AIP Internship Position that I had found on Craigslist.

What asset(s) do you feel that you best bring to the team at AIP?

I am confident and outspoken in my research skills and abilities and that seems to help greatly here, as much of what I am currently doing is research based. I also feel that my want to be a sponge and absorb as much information as possible is an asset – my eagerness to learn.

What does a “typical” day at AIP look like for you?

Each day really differs which keeps it exciting. Some days I can be reviewing recent property transfers, other days my focus is on researching contacts for new investing opportunities.

Name two of your favorite things about interning at American Investment Properties.

The people. Everyone wants to help in all aspects; it truly makes you feel like part of the team.
The open environment of a small firm. Because it’s a small firm, I have the ability to interact with each person, including Ron, on a very consistent basis.

Name one thing you would change about the internship program at American Investment Properties.

The only thing I would change would be to have an option available for assistance in obtaining a commercial real estate license.

What is the most challenging part of your experience at AIP thus far?

Keeping patient. Knowing that a lot of the work takes time and it will take some time for me to get to where I ideally want to be as a broker in this industry.

Professionally, where do you see yourself in two years?

I hope to become a CRE salesperson/broker. I also hope to own an investment property; its been a goal of mine that I’ve recognized since I was 14 years old.

Professionally, where do you see yourself in five years?

To have a CRE portfolio, which will then allow me to work on volunteer projects or in another service area. I also hope to be playing music, which is another goal of mine.

Last question; tell us the three things you would take with you on a deserted island…