How to study real estate: our internship supervisors share their insights

Are you ready to launch your career in the real estate industry? Then a BIV real estate agent internship at Living Stone is exactly what you’re looking for! Before you take the plunge, you probably have a lot of questions. We know! That’s why we’ve arranged an exclusive interview with our internship supervisors to give you a behind-the-scenes look. Our internship supervisors are committed to mentoring a new generation of real estate professionals. Discover how our internship prepares you for success in the dynamic real estate sector!

Why does Living Stone welcome BIV interns with open arms?

Thomas Valkeniers, CEO: “There are actually two reasons. First, we feel a responsibility to give back to our profession by training interns, just as we once had the opportunity to be trained. Second, we see it as an opportunity to ensure a steady influx of new employees at Living Stone.”

Kristel Gils, COO: “That’s right. We want to give new graduates the opportunity to complete an interesting and educational internship in a dynamic environment and train them according to the Living Stone philosophy. Of course, we hope that the interns will stay with Living Stone after their internship and take charge of a region.”

Is this to pass on a passion for real estate to new people?

Thomas: “Absolutely. At Living Stone, we love seeing new faces and the fresh energy that interns bring. We strongly believe in giving future real estate agents the chance to shine in a real-world setting.”

What specific tasks and responsibilities can interns expect during their BIV internship?

Melissa, real estate consultant: “Well, they get the chance to learn on the job, from leasing to sales. They really dive into the day-to-day work of real estate transactions, from deals to lease agreements. They learn the tricks of the trade from seasoned real estate professionals and delve into the legal and administrative aspects of the real estate world. They’re assigned tasks ranging from property tours and administrative work to finalizing a sales or rental file. We give them broad responsibilities and let them work independently under the supervision of the internship supervisor.”  

What does a typical workday look like for an intern during the BIV internship?

Kristel Gils: “That can vary from intern to intern because we mentor different types of interns. For example, some are more experienced than others, or someone might have specific experience in a particular field. So there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.”

Can you tell us more about the support and feedback that interns can expect during their internship?

Laurence, HR Manager and Master’s degree holder in Notarial Law: “Absolutely. At first, an intern always works alongside their mentor. Gradually, the intern takes on more and more tasks independently and can count on specific, targeted feedback throughout the internship. We pay close attention to attitude, work ethic, skills, and so on. We don’t want interns who are merely ‘helpers.’ We therefore provide thorough training with the goal of developing an employee who can grow within Living Stone. There will be regular evaluations and possibly feedback after each assignment.”   

What skills and competencies do you hope interns will develop during their BIV internship?

Kristel: “We want them not only to master the subject matter, but also to develop commercial and communication skills and learn how to connect with people. A passion for real estate, a contagious ‘can-do’ attitude, and a willingness to learn and grow are essential. Assertiveness, independence, creativity, a positive outlook, a hands-on approach, and a solid understanding of the subject matter are also important.”

Are there opportunities for interns to work on real projects or cases during their internship?

Melissa: “Absolutely. We offer plenty of opportunities for interns to work on real projects and cases, so they can gain valuable experience. They handle each case from start to finish.” 

Are there also opportunities for interns to network and build professional connections within your organization or the industry during their internship?

Koen, Strategic Director: “Absolutely. We’re happy to bring interns along to various events so they can network and build professional connections within our organization and the industry as a whole. However, it’s up to the intern to take the initiative.”

What advice would you give to future interns to help them get the most out of their BIV internship?

Koen: “Be sure to take the initiative and get involved as much as possible. High motivation, a willingness to learn and ‘steal with your eyes,’ and a drive to strive for excellence are all key qualities for success during your internship.” 

Kristel: “I completely agree—you’re responsible for making your internship a success. Be eager to learn. Try to shadow as many employees as possible. Offer to help out during open house days or preview events. Pay close attention during conversations and take the initiative to find topics you’d like to learn more about.”

To wrap things up, the question on everyone’s mind: Are there opportunities for career advancement or the possibility of a long-term partnership after successfully completing the BIV internship?

Thomas: Absolutely. We’re a growing company with plenty of opportunities. We never hire an intern if we know there’s no room for advancement. So yes, there are definitely opportunities for advancement and the chance for a long-term partnership after successfully completing the BIV internship.

Kristel: That’s right—we’d love for our interns to join our team after their internship. That’s why we believe in providing ongoing feedback, so we can make adjustments in a timely manner. Not every intern makes it to the finish line, but those who do automatically become part of the Living Stone family! 

You read that right. Living Stone is throwing its doors wide open for you. We’re looking for talented aspiring real estate agents who are eager to take on a BIV internship as a real estate agent. Are you ready for a hands-on internship in the rental department and a practical internship in the sales department? You’re the one we’re looking for! Check out our open positions and apply at laurence.vancutsem@living-stone.be.