When most college students think about a career in real estate, their minds immediately go to residential sales. The idea of helping families find their dream homes is familiar and heavily publicized. Commercial real estate, on the other hand, often remains a mystery, perceived as an intimidating, hyper-competitive environment reserved for seasoned veterans.
Leila Armstrong, a current student at UNLV, was no different.
She knew she wanted to pursue real estate but was heavily leaning toward the residential side. Today, Leila has passed her state exam, is preparing for her national exam, and plans to return to MDL Group as a full-time Associate. Her journey from being only mildly interested in commercial real estate to fully committing to the industry is a testament to the power of a supportive internship.
The Unexpected Opportunity
Leila’s introduction to MDL Group started with a connection. Her father knew our President, Jarrad Katz, which led to an initial meeting with Jarrad and our CEO, Hayim Mizrachi.
They spoke for an hour about the industry, and while Leila was still unsure about the commercial side, she was open to learning. A month later, Hayim reached out to offer her an internship. Because she was actively enrolled at UNLV, the team provided the flexibility she needed to balance her education with real-world experience.
Leila walked into the MDL Group office not knowing what to expect, assuming the daily routine would be stressful and cutthroat.
Experiencing the Culture Firsthand
The reality of the MDL Group office quickly changed her perception.
She found an environment that was not stressful or combative, but genuinely helpful, supportive, and surprisingly fun. Under the guidance of our Brokerage Operations Manager, Rebecca, Leila engaged in practical simulations, reviewing properties on LoopNet and analyzing the social media strategies of successful agents.
But the true learning happened away from the desk.
Leila was immersed in The MDL Way. She attended company luncheons, went on property tours with the brokerage team, and even joined the team’s monthly burger tour. She was given an interview book, tasked with interviewing other agents both in the office and at networking events.
It was during these moments that the core value of family became apparent. She witnessed a culture devoid of drama or distance, where everyone was welcoming and eager to share their knowledge.
The Impact of Real-World Exposure
Internships are designed to provide clarity, and for Leila, that clarity came through exposure to high-level strategic thinking.
She attended a Wells Fargo economic luncheon with Hayim, experiencing firsthand how business owners network and analyze market trends. She also participated in a collaborative session where agents gathered to brainstorm why a specific property wasn’t selling. Witnessing the team openly share ideas and problem-solve together solidified her interest in the commercial sector.
The learning curve was steep. Every single day presented new, sometimes confusing information. But the team was always there to clarify and teach, ensuring she never felt overwhelmed.
The Pivot to a Career
The realization that commercial real estate was her future happened during a drive with a couple of the brokers.
They discussed the lifestyle the career affords, explaining how the hard work and independence translate into a flexible schedule that allows for genuine family time. That conversation, combined with the fact that she was learning something new and engaging every single day, sealed the deal.
As Leila navigated the licensing process, the support from MDL Group didn’t stop. Hayim and Rebecca continue to check in on her progress, actively preparing for her return as an official agent.
Advice for the Next Generation
Now that she has completed the program, Leila has valuable advice for the next generation of UNLV students on the fence about commercial real estate.
“If you are interested, you should do it. Don’t be scared to do the course and internship. I would have had no idea about commercial if I hadn’t met with Hayim and Jarrad. I think the internship is important before you do the tests. I would be lost going into it after I had my license without that experience.”
We are incredibly proud of Leila’s progress and look forward to welcoming her back to the MDL Group team!
