At VCRE, we believe in fostering personal growth and supporting the community that surrounds us. This summer, we had the pleasure of welcoming Samiha Vali, a bright and driven intern, to our team. 

Samiha’s journey, rooted in her education and interest in commercial real estate, aligns with our commitment to nurturing future leaders. We sat down with Samiha to discuss her experiences, aspirations, and the impact of her time at VCRE.

Meet our 2024 Summer Intern

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your educational journey so far?

Samiha: I’m currently a sophomore at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, where I’m studying Finance and Real Estate with a minor in Spanish. My journey has been incredibly enriching so far—I’m a member of Phi Gamma Nu, a professional business fraternity, and serve on the finance team for TEDxIU, one of the largest student-run TED conferences. 

Being a Frederick native and growing up with deaf parents has shaped my perspective in many ways. I graduated from Tuscarora High School in 2023, and my roots in this community remain strong.

Q: What attracted you to the field of commercial real estate?

Samiha: My interest in commercial real estate was sparked by a mentor in my professional fraternity, Phi Gamma Nu. He was involved in the commercial real estate workshop, and his insights piqued my curiosity. 

I love that this field allows me to apply my finance knowledge while also engaging in customer-facing roles like brokerage, where negotiation skills and confident communication are key.

Q: How did you hear about the internship opportunity at VCRE?

Samiha: I was proactive in my search and reached out to several commercial real estate firms in Frederick. VCRE stood out by responding with an opportunity to join their team. While I had noticed their signs around town, I didn’t know much about them before applying.

Experience with VCRE – Commercial Real Estate

Q: What are your initial impressions of VCRE and the team?

Samiha: From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by friendly faces and a warm welcome. VCRE’s team made me feel like part of the family, and it’s been fascinating to join them during a time of growth and change. The team’s dynamic and support have been incredibly motivating.

Q: Can you describe some of the projects you’ve been working on?

Samiha: One of my primary tasks was compiling a comprehensive property database, including a list of properties, owners, and contact information for LI (Light Industrial) and GC (General Commercial) zoned properties in Frederick City and County. 

I also worked on analytics for the Livable Frederick Advisory Group, where I recorded tax data to compare the revenue potential of agricultural properties if they were converted to industrial properties.

Q: What skills did you hope to develop during your internship?

Samiha: I wanted to explore the various career opportunities in commercial real estate, as I still have a few years of college ahead. Additionally, I aimed to get accustomed to a corporate environment, having previously worked mainly in retail and hospitality.

Q: How is VCRE supporting your personal and professional development?

Samiha: VCRE has been instrumental in my growth. I’ve had the privilege of learning directly from Amos Martin, who committed to weekly sessions with me, covering fundamental industry concepts. Additionally, attending various events, like the Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting, has helped me become more comfortable with networking in real-world scenarios.

A Commitment to the Frederick Community

Q: How does VCRE’s commitment to the community resonate with you?

Samiha: VCRE’s dedication to bettering the community really resonates with me. I’m a firm believer in giving back to the community that raised me, so I appreciate VCRE’s efforts in making a positive impact. Their initiatives have inspired me to continue finding ways to contribute, even beyond my time with them.

Looking Ahead

Q: How do you see this internship influencing your career path?

Samiha: While I’m not entirely sure of my long-term career plans, this internship has certainly solidified my interest in commercial real estate. I’m eager to pursue the commercial real estate workshop at IU and see where this path takes me.

Q: What advice would you give to other students looking for internships in commercial real estate?

Samiha: My advice would be to thoroughly understand the market you’re entering—Frederick may not have skyscrapers, but it’s full of passionate small businesses with whom you can build lasting relationships. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to many firms; sometimes, all it takes is one person to say yes!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Samiha for sharing her experiences and insights. At VCRE, we’re proud to support the personal and professional development of emerging talents like Samiha.