On May 21st, our Darien brokerage will welcome its latest group of Darien High School seniors for four-week internships. The program, now in its fourth year, is intended to provide broad introduction to the business and exposure to all stages of buying and selling homes.
“We go to open houses, meet with clients, and meet with mortgage brokers and attorneys,” said agent Janine Tienken, who organizes and administers the program. “I take them to Town Hall so that they can learn how to read different documents, such as surveys and field cards.”
Each student will work about 25 hours a week, both in the office and out in the field, under the mentorship of an experienced agent. Darien High School allows seniors to leave campus after Advanced Placement testing to pursue unpaid internships for four to five weeks, both locally and in New York City.
“They also learn how to be professionals,” Tienken added. “How to be on time, dress appropriately, interact with adults, go to meetings.”
At the end, they'll give a presentation on all that they have learned and put together a mock listing and marketing plan for their parents’ home.
“These kids are so savvy about social media and the digital world — they’re terrific,” Tienken remarked. “We’re a small community, and this program is just my way of helping invest in our future.”