Where driven CRE students turn strangers into sponsors
Rapport CRE is a nonprofit that connects dedicated students with sincere CRE professionals, by equipping them to earn the mentorship they seek.
Student Program Flow
3-part framework: Equip, Reflect, & Connect.
3 video callsCALL 1
equip
45 minute group call with Arlen and up to 10 fellow students. We will walk through my CRE Rapport Roadmap: Your pathway to building rapport with strangers in commercial real estate and turning them into sponsors who want to advocate for you on your CRE journey.
CALL 2
reflect
60 minute mentorship call with Arlen to ask any questions and create your personalized roadmap. Let’s figure out where you are, where you want to go, and what’s the best way to get there.
CALL 3
connect
30 minute mock networking call with Arlen to apply what you've learned. If you conduct it with confidence, I will introduce you to 3 Rapport CRE professionals in your area of interest (capital markets, development, asset management, etc.).
Ongoing program initiatives include:
A designated weekly time for Rapport CRE students to drop-in and ask Arlen questions.
friday office hoursGroup chats for each market that help Rapport CRE grads stay accountable, and build genuine friendships after college.
City Group ChatsA chance to learn from experienced professionals who have succeeded professionally and personally in this dynamic industry.
Quarterly market leader callsDon’t let the “Sunday scaries” make you anxious—take a break and join our Bible studies. Arlen leads the men’s group, and his fiancé Nathalia leads the women’s. All are most welcome.
Bible study on sundays
Sign up is free.
Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to entry.
No matter your family’s name, neighborhood, or network, you deserve a chance to compete for an opportunity in CRE. You bring the grit, and we'll bring the guidance.
Where busy CRE professionals turn limited time into lasting impact
If you're willing to connect with “Rapport-ready” students, simply sign up for as many 30 minute networking calls per semester as you'd like.
FAQs
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As many 30 minute networking calls per semester as you’d like. The fall runs from September - November, and the Spring from February - April. At the end of each semester, you can choose to renew or adjust your commitment.
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If a student leaves a lasting impression and you wish to continue the conversation, great—if not, no hard feelings. They understand that these calls don’t guarantee a mentor, internship, or a full time job, but we do promise the opportunity to speak with professionals doing what they want to do, where they want to do it.
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No. Whether you are a 40 year vice chairman or a 1st year analyst, you have valuable insights that these students will truly benefit from hearing.
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As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Rapport CRE runs on the generosity of students who’ve been transformed by the program, and professionals who wish it existed when they were starting out. Whether you decide to donate your time, treasure, or a mix of both, if each of us gives a little, together we can achieve a lot.
Many hands make light work.
If each of us gives a little, together we can achieve a lot.
Whether you are at the beginning of your career and donate time, the prime of your career and donate treasure, or the end of your career and donate a mix of both, your contributions help us build a longer table rather than a taller fence.
Meet your instructor
MENTOR • SPEAKER • BELIEVERAs a 2022 Notre Dame graduate, I discovered commercial real estate during my junior year. With no initial connections and a relentless determination, I spoke with 60 professionals in 6 weeks to secure a brokerage internship and full-time return offer from JLL, the second-largest CRE firm in the world.
After 2.5 years in the business, my definition of success shifted. I turned down a promotion, visited 55 college real estate clubs, and ultimately left JLL to launch Rapport CRE—a nonprofit that equips students to build rapport with the CRE professionals they aspire to become.
My conviction comes from witnessing how this industry can transform lives—and from following the example of Jesus Christ: It is better to serve than to be served.
Whether you come from a CRE family or not, it all started with someone explaining to you why they chose this industry, and answering any questions that you had. Mentorship is earned through action.
At Rapport CRE, we create opportunities for driven students to connect with professionals who believe in paying it forward.