CBRE Internship 2025 Summer Openings & Salary Info

When people think of internships, their minds usually jump straight to tech companies, coding marathons, or startup offices with bean bags and ping-pong tables, but not enough individuals talk about how powerful a CBRE internship can be. Real estate and finance might not sound as glamorous as they seem, but what CBRE brings to the table is next-level in terms of real-world impact. This company isn’t just about selling buildings. It’s about creating entire cities, managing billion-dollar portfolios, and helping businesses make smarter moves with their properties. For students interested in areas like finance, investment management, or commercial real estate, CBRE opens doors that are usually closed to early career professionals. What makes it even better is how interns are not just observing but are actually a part of the process, learning how deals are made, how client relationships are handled, and how global strategies come to life in a very practical, day-to-day way.

In the last few years, there’s been a serious rise in students chasing CBRE summer internship spots across the globe. From London and Singapore to Malaysia, Australia, and Hong Kong, the demand is growing fast, and it’s easy to see why. These internships don’t just look good on a resume but also build skills that matter, whether it’s in property valuation, capital markets, or financial modeling. This guide is going to break it all down in plain language. You’ll get a complete picture of what types of internships CBRE offers, how the application process works, and what kind of interview questions might pop up. Plus, we’ll touch on expected salaries and share some helpful hints that can give you an advantage when applying. So, if you’ve been curious about working in real estate or want a deeper look into CBRE’s world, this is where it starts.

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CBRE Internships | What Interns Can Expect in 2025

What is CBRE and What Does It Actually Do?

CBRE is short for Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis, but nobody really calls it that anymore. What matters is that it’s the largest commercial real estate services and investment company in the world. We’re talking about 115,000 employees, more than 100 countries, and a client list that includes some of the biggest corporations and property developers on the planet. This isn’t just about helping people rent offices or buy buildings. CBRE handles everything from leasing and project management to global portfolio strategies and high-stakes investment decisions. Imagine those giant skyscrapers in New York, the luxury hotels in Singapore, or the business parks across Europe. There’s a good chance CBRE had something to do with them, whether it was designing, managing, or selling those properties. They’re literally everywhere, even if most people don’t realize it.

What makes the company especially interesting is how it combines technology and data into everything they do. CBRE focuses heavily on using digital tools to help clients make smarter real estate decisions. They invest in automation, machine learning, and smart building tech to keep up with the competition. The company brings in over $30 billion in revenue and keeps expanding into new areas like sustainability consulting, real estate fintech, and even data science. On top of their core business, they also run a global arm called CBRE Investment Management that focuses entirely on investment strategies. This division works on real financial models, asset portfolios, and market research in investment and corporate finance.

CBRE Summer Internship – What You’ll Experience

If you’re planning ahead, the CBRE summer internship program is definitely worth adding to your shortlist. These internships typically last anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks and are scheduled during the mid-year break, usually between May and August. They’re open to a wide range of applicants, including undergrads, postgrads, and even MBA students, depending on the role. Some students join to explore real estate for the first time, while others already have their eyes on investment careers. No matter the background, the structure of the internship is designed to give you real exposure. That includes proper orientation to learn about the company, team-based projects, weekly mentorship check-ins, and in many cases, chances to assist senior professionals during site visits or deal meetings. Locations vary, but the top cities include London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, and several offices across the United States.

What’s especially interesting is how the experience changes depending on which field you choose. Some students join the CBRE capital markets internship, others pick the finance internship, and some go into digital and technology programs that are more focused on data analytics and innovation. There’s even an MBA summer program specifically designed for those who’ve already had a bit of experience and want to level up their leadership and strategy game. Interns get to work alongside experienced brokers, analysts, and consultants. The work is meaningful, not just task-based. Past interns have shared that they were able to present to actual clients, sit in high-stakes meetings, and even help prepare market analyses that influenced real decisions. It’s the kind of environment where you’re not just treated as “the intern,” but as someone who has the potential to bring value right away.

Types of Internships

CBRE doesn’t just offer one generic internship, which is honestly what makes their program way more exciting than most people expect. Instead of throwing every student into the same type of work, they’ve built out several different tracks based on what you’re actually into. Let’s break down the main types of internships that CBRE usually offers and what kind of experience each one brings.

Commercial Real Estate Internship

This internship is the one that gives students a front-row seat to how property deals are made, how assets are valued, and how spaces like office towers, retail outlets, or warehouses are bought and sold. Interns on the commercial real estate team work closely with brokers, analysts, and client teams to understand everything from market trends to negotiation strategies. The best part is that it’s not just spreadsheets and slide decks. It’s real buildings and actual money at stake. Interns might help prepare materials for a client meeting, run comparisons to see how properties compare, or even tour active listings to see how professionals assess them in real time. It’s fast-paced, people-oriented, and full of real responsibility, even for someone just starting out.

What makes this internship special is how quickly interns are thrown into the process. Instead of being stuck in one corner, they get looped into different teams and get exposure to various parts of the deal cycle. They:

• Assist with preparing property listings and marketing materials
• Shadow property tours and client walkthroughs
• Research market trends to support ongoing transactions
• Help update databases with sales and lease comps
• Sit in on broker strategy sessions and planning calls
• Observe pricing discussions and property valuation reviews
• Work with design teams to help visualize potential property upgrades

Finance Internship

For students who enjoy working with numbers and analyzing trends, the CBRE finance internship hits the mark. It focuses on how financial models are built, how budgets are managed, and how real estate assets perform over time. Interns get a behind-the-scenes look at planning, cost analysis, and reporting practices that support some of the biggest properties around the world. They often use Excel and financial planning tools to support real teams managing everything from office portfolios to data centers. It’s not just about adding up expenses either. It’s about learning how financial decisions affect asset strategy and long-term planning.

Interns are encouraged to ask questions and get involved in live tasks that go beyond theory. They get access to dashboards, meet with finance managers, and see how investment decisions are backed by data. Their tasks usually include:

• Assisting with monthly and quarterly financial reporting
• Creating budget models and variance analysis reports
• Supporting internal audits and compliance processes
• Reviewing vendor contracts and expense summaries
• Helping track KPIs and financial benchmarks
• Learn how different business units manage cash flow
• Participating in meetings that cover financial performance and strategy

Investment Management Internship

If there’s one internship that puts students right in the middle of decision-making, it’s this one. The CBRE Investment Management internship is a great pick for those who want to learn how money moves through real estate, what makes a good investment, and how to evaluate opportunities based on market data. Interns get to work with professionals at Investment Management, helping them build and review portfolios, assess risk, and dive into performance analytics. They often research markets, analyze trends, and help the team decide where to invest next, whether it’s commercial space in London or a new development project in Sydney.

This internship is very practical, and it pushes interns to think about the big picture and the finer details at the same time. Interns here often:

• Analyze the past performance of investment assets
• Review key market indicators and investment strategy documents
• Research new property markets and potential fund opportunities
• Track economic changes and their impact on investments
• Attend team discussions on portfolio diversification
• Learn how ESG considerations influence investment decisions
• Help build reports for stakeholders and internal strategy reviews

Capital Markets Internship

This role is perfect for anyone who’s curious about how big property deals are financed, structured, and closed. The CBRE capital markets internship drops students right into the world of real estate equity and debt markets. Interns get a first-hand look at how brokers, bankers, and analysts work together to close million-dollar transactions. It’s a mix of finance, negotiation, and market research all rolled into one, and it’s a great way to understand how deals go from pitch to close.

This internship often includes time spent with different deal teams, where interns track trends and help put together materials that support live transactions. Interns in this program may:

• Assist with property underwriting and capital stack modeling
• Help create client pitch materials and deal teasers
• Research local and global capital flows and investor trends
• Analyze property performance against capital market expectations
• Prepare data for investment committee presentations
• Track equity and debt offerings in commercial markets
• Learn how transaction documents are reviewed and structured

MBA Internship Program

The MBA internship is made for students who already have some work experience and want to take on bigger responsibilities during their summer break. It’s not just about learning, it’s about contributing on a leadership level. These internships are usually part of the CBRE MBA Summer Program and focus on strategy, business planning, and client engagement. Interns might work on high-level projects, partner with department heads, or lead presentations that actually impact business decisions. It’s demanding but super rewarding for anyone looking to step into a corporate or investment leadership role.

MBA interns aren’t treated like newbies, they’re treated like future hires. They get involved in real initiatives and often work across departments. Typical tasks for MBA interns include:

• Leading business case research and presenting findings
• Supporting leadership in growth strategy planning
• Collaborating with multiple departments on cross-functional projects
• Analyzing market entry options or competitive positioning
• Conducting deep dives into operational performance metrics
• Participating in client meetings and strategic workshops
• Reviewing financial reports and forecasting growth opportunities

Sales & Brokerage Internship

This internship is ideal for those who love communication, persuasion, and the thrill of deal-making. Interns on the sales and brokerage track will learn how commercial real estate deals are sourced, pitched, and closed. It’s a people-first internship where interns will work side-by-side with brokers, sometimes even sitting in on calls or client meetings. They learn how relationships are built, how market info is used to sell properties, and what it takes to close a high-value lease or purchase agreement.

The daily life of a brokerage intern is never boring. Some days are spent researching, others are full of meetings or preparation work. Tasks often include:

• Assisting with proposal creation and sales support materials
• Researching tenant trends and local demand
• Helping prepare listing presentations for new clients
• Updating CRM tools and prospect databases
• Supporting the coordination of site tours and open houses
• Learning how brokers negotiate terms and navigate challenges
• Observing deal negotiations and follow-up strategies

Digital & Technology Internship

For anyone with a tech background or an interest in automation, this is where it gets exciting. CBRE Digital and Technology internship is all about applying modern tech tools to real estate challenges. Interns might work with teams focused on smart building systems, data analytics, or even real estate AI projects. The goal is to bring innovation into a space that’s traditionally been slow to change, and the company is all in on that mission.

Interns here work with engineers, analysts, and tech leads to build tools or enhance existing ones. The role is part technical, part creative, and very future-facing. Tasks may include:

• Developing internal tools for real estate analytics
• Supporting data visualization for building operations
• Learning about IoT systems and their role in smart offices
• Writing Python or SQL scripts to automate routine processes
• Helping test new platforms for client dashboards
• Researching proptech trends and startup ecosystems
• Participating in sprint planning and tech workshops

Internship Locations Around the World

One of the most amazing parts about the internship program at CBRE is that it’s not just locked into one country or region. The company runs its internship tracks across multiple global offices, and each location brings something a little different based on its market, team focus, and client base. In Singapore, interns usually work in asset management, financial services, or tech teams, gaining experience in a fast-paced, data-driven market. The Singapore careers page highlights these openings when they’re available. On the other hand, in Australia, the internship programs lean more into commercial real estate, capital markets, and regional planning projects.

Additionally, Hong Kong (HK) has a strong focus on investment strategy, client advisory, and bilingual communication roles, especially in the capital-heavy sectors. Over in Malaysia, interns are typically placed in finance, valuation, or operational teams, where they get to understand emerging markets in depth. And if you’re aiming for a CBRE summer internship in the UK, expect exposure to major real estate transactions, brokerage support, and asset strategy across Europe. Each region gives interns direct access to clients, local fieldwork, and global mentorship, which makes the program not just flexible but actually global in every sense.

Eligibility Criteria 

While CBRE welcomes students from all kinds of educational backgrounds, there are still a few expectations that show up across the board. Most of the internships have a strong focus on business, finance, or real estate knowledge, and some roles even require technical or software-specific skills. That said, students don’t need to have ten internships under their belt or perfect grades. What matters more is curiosity, confidence, and a good understanding of what the team or department is actually looking for. Here’s what most applicants are expected to have:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or MBA program
• Background in Finance, Real Estate, Business, Economics, Technology, or Engineering
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Able to work full-time during internship period
• Fluent in English (additional languages may be a plus)
• Some roles may require financial modeling, Excel, or tech knowledge
• Global programs may require work authorization in specific countries

Internship Salary and Perks

Let’s be real. Salary matters when you’re looking at internships, especially in industries like finance or commercial real estate. The good news is, CBRE pays its interns fairly well, especially for roles in the U.S., UK, and Asia-Pacific regions. On average, intern salaries at CBRE range between $20–$30 per hour in the U.S., £20,000–£25,000 annually (pro-rated) in the UK, and around SGD 1,200–1,800/month in Singapore, depending on the role and location. But it’s not just about money. Interns get access to a whole list of benefits that make the experience well-rounded. Most interns also enjoy:

• In-person exposure to office life and fieldwork
• Weekly or monthly networking lunches and team events
• Real ownership of ongoing projects, not just side tasks
• Opportunities to convert internships into full-time roles
• Access to company-hosted training sessions and leadership workshops

Internship Interview Questions & Tips

Once your application makes it past the first stage, you’ll likely face a couple of interviews before getting an offer. Most CBRE internship interviews are a mix of behavioral and situational questions, but depending on the role, some may include technical or case-based scenarios too. For example, a finance internship might have you walk through a basic budgeting exercise, while a commercial real estate interview might ask you how you’d approach market research for a new property. What really helps is understanding what the role is about and being ready to explain your thought process clearly. Past interns recommend focusing on:

• Situational questions like “Tell me about a time you had to solve a problem”
• Behavioural questions that test how well you work in teams
• Technical basics (for finance, Excel models and valuation frameworks)
• Case-based prompts in MBA or strategy-focused roles
• Showing interest in the real estate or investment market

Application Process 

Applying for a CBRE internship is pretty simple, but the competition is tough. Since the program runs globally and involves so many departments, students need to know exactly where they want to fit in. A great application usually means having a resume that’s specifically designed for the role, a clear understanding of what the internship involves, and a good reason for choosing that particular team. Here’s how the process usually looks:

• Go to the CBRE student careers portal
• Select your region (e.g. Americas, APAC, EMEA)
• Search for internship opportunities by role or keyword
• Choose a department or focus area (e.g. Finance, Tech, Capital Markets)
• Submit your updated resume and any required documents
• Wait for recruiter contact and screening
• Complete interviews (may include behavioral and case-based questions)

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Summary

CBRE is one of those companies that doesn’t always make the headlines, but the opportunities it offers are seriously impressive. For students who want to get into global real estate, commercial property, or investment management, a career with CBRE gives them access to the best clients, practical projects, and mentorship that actually matters. With strong intern salaries, worldwide locations, and the possibility of landing a full-time offer, it’s the kind of experience that can shape a career in all the right ways. Whether you’re into finance, tech, sales, or investment, CBRE has a program that fits.

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