How I Got My Job

Massiel Flores, a successful first gen student, shares her experiences being a Connectee with Coffee Connectors, a 2023 Opportunity Intern at NorthBridge, and landing a brand-new job at Partners Capital! Hear Massiel’s thoughtful insights and tips about getting to know the people around you, being genuine, and making yourself useful. Find resources and notes for this episode here: https://coffeeconnectors.com/video/ep11-massiel-flores-2023-opportunity-intern Follow and subscribe to our YouTu...

This episode is packed with tips and insight from Hillary Shine, the founder of Shine Associates, a real estate executive search and advisory firm. Hillary discusses the value of soft and hard skills, training programs at large banking and CRE firms, and becoming more self-aware about your skills and interests. Hear priceless pointers on interviewing, how to be more memorable, and what to expect in 2024 hiring trends. Find resources and notes for this episode here: https://coffeeconnectors.c...

Amanda Strong joins us from MIT Investment Management Company (MITIMCo). Deeply shaped by her military family roots, and the network infrastructure that college provided, Amanda discovered a love of entrepreneurship and business, and was able to follow her passions, build relationships and expertise, and most importantly, recognize when to take chances. Amanda encourages first-generation students to use their unique backgrounds to their advantage, to have the courage to speak up, and bring a ...

Peter Braffman, Managing Director at GCM Grosvenor, shares his journey from pre-med to Wall Street to commercial real estate to law school, with one fateful train ride, and a plan to convince his parents to give him a chance! Peter reminds us that CRE is an apprenticeship business, and working in a culture that supports growth, keeping open to new opportunities, and always doing your research are critical ingredients to finding your best role in the industry. Find resources and notes for th...

Colleen Fonseca of Builders of Color Coalition shares her career journey into commercial real estate, driven by her passion to help diverse individuals gain access to new connections, resources, and opportunities in the industry. Colleen encourages students to use their college career centers, nurture their relationships, take time to reflect, and to take a leap of faith! Find resources and notes for this episode here: https://coffeeconnectors.com/video/ep7-colleen-fonseca-builders-color-coa...

An immigrant from Sri Lanka, Sajith talks about his success in real estate investment and finance, despite starting out with limited resources and connections. He advises on the importance of creating your own opportunity, pushing through rejections, and how to make yourself into the type of candidate employers want on their team. Find resources and notes for this episode here: https://coffeeconnectors.com/video/ep6-sajith-ranasinghe-church-pension-fund Follow and subscribe to our YouTube ch...

Ashleigh shares his story of growing up in an immigrant family and how his experience in the military led him to a career in commercial real estate. He speaks frankly about “being the only” and bringing your whole self to work. Hear how one of Ashleigh’s most pivotal career moments was all about how he simply “followed up!” Find resources and notes for this episode here: https://coffeeconnectors.com/video/ep5-ashleigh-simpson-grosvenor Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you c...

Travel the world with Jeff as his career takes him from Ireland to Germany, London and New York. By trying out a variety of things in his education, following his interests, and building relationships, Jeff realized that people are more willing to help than you may think. And when in doubt—pick up a book and read! Find resources and notes for this episode here: https://coffeeconnectors.com/video/ep4-jeff-mcdonnell-partners-capital Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see...

From immigrant parents and dyslexia to collegiate soccer and an MBA, Christina Scarlato dishes on life, her career at The World Bank, and getting your foot in the door. Hear about how it doesn’t matter what your major is, personal connection is everything, and mistakes are the best way to learn. Find resources and notes for this episode here: https://coffeeconnectors.com/video/ep3-christina-scarlato-world-bank-pension-plan Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all ou...

NorthBridge's co-founder and CIO Greg Lauze shares his story as a first gen student grappling with imposter syndrome, his career path of asking questions, networking, starting his own company, and loving what you do, and his realization that nobody ever has it all figured out. Find resources and notes for this episode here: https://coffeeconnectors.com/video/ep2-greg-lauze-northbridge-partners Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https:...

A conversation with Tom Rutledge, whose winding career has made him a veteran of not only the commercial real estate industry, but the trading floors of Wall Street, the newsroom at NPR—and two days on Jeopardy! Find resources and notes for this episode here: https://coffeeconnectors.com/video/ep1-tom-rutledge-independent-advisor-and-investment-banker Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@CoffeeConnectors Check out ...

Hear the origins of How I Got My Job, why it means so much to Bea and Dean, and themes to look for in upcoming episodes. Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@CoffeeConnectors Check out the Coffee Connectors website for more resources: https://www.coffeeconnectors.com