21 Intern Alumni Testimonial: Aminata Sam
L+M reached out to the 2021 intern cohort to find out more about their intern experience and how it informed their professional development. This submission is from Aminata Sam, who interned with our development team and is part of the Project Destined Program.
What impact did the 2021 summer internship program have on you professionally and personally?
The summer 2021 internship program solidified my path into the development of affordable housing, while gaining exposure to all the people and moving parts it takes to holistically complete projects. From my first week at the NUL groundbreaking and throughout the summer, I’ve been working with the development team and with government officials, community leaders, co-developers, consultants, Tenant Associations and most importantly, residents to build and renovate great homes.
How did L+M live up to its mission “Working Together to Building Stronger Communities” through its internal culture and the community they serve?
It was immediately evident that L+M was committed to its mission “Working Together to Building Stronger Communities”. First, there was a 300+ person all- staff call earlier in the summer to gain input from everyone at the organization about how we can live up to the mission through the company’s values like collaboration and integrity, and it was also shown at the various projects I worked on that required people from different teams.
What advice do you have for the 2022 summer interns?
My advice to summer 2022 interns is to attend as many site visits as possible. The team organized amazing site visits to projects around the city where we meet residents, Builders, and C+C team members, as we toured the properties.
21 Intern Alumni Testimonial: Colister Tappin
L+M reached out to the 2021 intern cohort to find out more about their intern experience and how it informed their professional development. This submission is from Colister Tappin, who interned with our Community Investment team.
What impact did the 2021 summer internship program have on you professionally and personally?
The 2021 summer internship program has made an immeasurable impact on both my professional and personal life. Professionally, this internship has expanded my knowledge about the real estate field, and how various departments interconnect to accomplish a common goal. Personally, it has improved my communication skills and confidence. Whether it be a research assignment, presentation, or sharing an idea, each task significantly enhanced my skillset.
How did L+M live up to its mission, “Working Together to Building Stronger Communities,” through its internal culture and the community they serve?
L+M lives up to its mission “Working Together to Build Stronger Communities” through its internal culture because, as a former intern with the Community Investment department, I witnessed the team being intentional with the programs they developed for communities, whether it be afterschool programs, food drives, or supporting community organizations.
At L+M, every employee is given the opportunity to serve the community. Outside of the several grants made by the company, employees are encouraged to donate to a non-profit organization they are passionate about and L+M matches their donation. This offers everyone the chance to make a difference and build stronger communities.
Based on your experience at L+M, how will the summer experience for the next generation of interns impact their professional development?
The environment at L+M is filled with employees who are willing to teach interns new skills that can certainly boost the inters professional development. At departmental meetings, interns’ opinions and ideas are welcome in discussions, and this fosters a learning environment that can undoubtedly benefit their future careers.
What advice do you have for the 2022 summer interns?
Ask questions and build a network. There will be many topics or procedures you might not be familiar with as an intern, and that is okay! Ask questions and you will certainly learn from it. In this environment of accomplished experts and professionals, you are exposed to a plethora of information and opportunities to build a network; feel free to ask for a few minutes to learn more about a department or a position that might spark your interests. This network that you create could be beneficial for you even after completing your internship!
21 Intern Alumni Testimonial: Elian Gomez
L+M reached out to the 2021 intern cohort to find out more about their intern experience and how it informed their professional development. This submission is from Elian Gomez, who interned with our legal team and is part of the Pencil Ladders for Leaders Program.
What impact did the 2021 summer internship program have on you professionally and personally?
Professionally, the summer 2021 internship allowed me to expand my network. I had the opportunity to connect with various interns and employees at L+M. I was privileged to continue my education on the various components that make a successful real estate development company. Personally, it was amazing to go on site tours and travel all over the city, directly connecting with the work, the teams, and the L+M interns too.
How did L+M live up to its mission “Working Together to Building Stronger Communities” through its internal culture and the community they serve?
L+M employees do indeed work together. Even as an intern, I always felt involved in the work my team does, no matter how challenging. In doing our work, we make sure to better each other along the process, as building stronger communities requires consistent improvement. This accompanies the reminder of who we serve, and why we continue to give our best effort.
Based on your experience at L+M, how will the summer experience for the next generation of interns impact their professional development?
The summer experience will allow future interns to learn about the real estate industry and its specific departments. Through learning, they will acquire skills that will be invaluable. The internship is also an amazing jumpstart to a professional career.
What advice do you have for the 2022 summer interns?
Never be afraid to introduce yourself to others in the company! Everyone is willing to assist and share their expertise.