When Charlie joined Floorspace this summer, interning at Floorspace offered him an opportunity to explore commercial real estate more seriously. As a third-year Financial Economics student, he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect—but he quickly realized how much he’d learn—not just about the industry, but how teams work, how deals come together, and what kind of professional he wants to be.
“I was hoping to learn about what the day to day work of a broker looks like. Learning how they prospect and when they make calls, working through a project with a client, and finalizing a deal.”
Why Charlie Chose Commercial Real Estate and Interning at Floorspace
Charlie had always been interested in real estate, taking related courses and doing research projects. But this was his first real exposure to working in the industry. He didn’t want a big-name internship just for the sake of it—he wanted to be somewhere he could truly contribute. Floorspace stood out because it was smaller and more hands-on.
Having worked here the previous summer, Charlie knew he wanted to return.
The Work: From Building Audits to Broker Insights
Over the summer, Charlie worked on a mix of market research and hands-on projects that gave him a real understanding of the broker workflow. He helped with stacking plans, walked buildings, and took part in market audits focusing on Vancouver and Victoria. Each audit fed into larger projects, like verifying data in our internal platform (FLO) and refining listings and comparables for clients.
He also explored the tech side of the business, learning how brokers use data, tools, and market intelligence to serve clients. It was eye-opening to see how much goes on behind the scenes—there’s a rhythm to it all that he never would’ve understood just by reading about it.
Lessons Learned from Interning at Floorspace
One of the biggest things Charlie will take away is the importance of being proactive.
“Floorspace’s mentorship has helped me feel more confident as I begin planning and working toward a career in brokerage,” he shared. “Hearing insights and advice from both experienced and newer brokers at different stages of their careers has been especially valuable in shaping my understanding of the industry and how to get started.”
He also learned a valuable lesson from informal conversations with brokers:
“A key lesson from conversations with brokers is learning to get comfortable with rejection. You won’t win every client or close every deal, but resilience and persistence are essential to success.”

Becoming Part of the Team
Some of Charlie’s favourite moments came from outside project work. Joining brokers on tours gave him firsthand insight into how brokers interact with clients and colleagues.
“A standout moment from this internship was anytime a broker brought me along for a tour. This was a great way for me to learn about how brokers interact with both clients and other brokers in person.”
Charlie also appreciated opportunities to attend industry events like YUPRE, where he connected with professionals and fellow interns from other brokerages.
“The YUPRE event gave me the opportunity to network and connect with professionals in this industry. It also gave me a chance to meet interns at some of the other brokerages in the city. This was really interesting since we were all going through similar work/learning experiences.”
What’s Next
Heading back to school, Charlie feels more confident about his career direction.
“This summer confirmed that commercial real estate is something I want to pursue—and it gave me clarity around the kind of work and team culture I’m looking for.”
He’s incredibly grateful to the Floorspace team for the experience, mentorship, and trust. He leaves with a better understanding of the industry—and a lot of motivation for what comes next.
