From left: Newmark Associates CRE Senior Associate Jack Maier, Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design Principal Soraia Mendes and Newmark Associates Vice President Jeannette Melillo were among those on hand recently for the brokerage firm’s visit to the school in observance of National Brokers Day. — Courtesy: Newmark Associates
By Joshua Burd
For a group of Newark teenagers, a recent school day came with a glimpse into the world of commercial real estate.
That was thanks to a pair of seasoned brokers with Newmark Associates CRE, who visited the Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design to deliver what the firm described as an immersive introduction to the industry. Led by Vice President Jeannette Melillo and Senior Associate Jack Maier, the program included hands-on role-playing exercises in which students participated in both simulated lease negotiations and property sales while taking on the roles of brokers, landlords, tenants, attorneys and other key professionals, giving them a practical understanding of the elements included in real estate transactions.
The visit, which came in recognition of National Brokers Day, also emphasized the wide network of professionals involved in a single deal, including brokers, property owners, architects, engineers, attorneys and financial institutions.
“Our goal is to bring the industry to life in a way that resonates,” Melillo said. “When students step into these roles, they begin to see not just a transaction, but the teamwork, strategy and opportunities each role presents.”
The visit is part of Newmark Associates’ broader summer mentorship program serving Newark students in grades nine through 12, the firm said. That’s meant to provide exposure to commercial real estate through interactive learning, real-world applications and direct access to industry professionals.
“Introducing students at the ninth-grade level is especially impactful,” Maier said. “It gives students time to explore interests, build confidence and start thinking about career paths they may not have otherwise considered.”
Soraia Mendes, principal of the Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design, added: “We welcome our partners, Newmark Associates, for National Broker Day was a powerful opportunity for our students to engage with industry professionals, explore real-world pathways in real estate and envision their future as leaders in the field. Experiences like these are essential as we continue to connect classroom learning to meaningful career opportunities.”
