Building Brick-and-Mortar Branding and Marketing Skills

Shivani Thali

Class of 2024

Currently Studying: MS in Social Media and Mobile Marketing

Current Internship: Retail Marketing Intern, Newmark

Pronouns: She/They

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As a retail marketing intern with the renowned commercial real estate firm Newmark, Shivani Thali is getting a taste of what it means to creatively capture and market some of New York City's finest buildings. Next to that, Shivani gets the opportunity to closely learn from leaders in the industry thanks to the company's "lunch and learn" sessions. Upon graduating with their MS in Social Media and Mobile Marketing in 2024, Shivani will be ready to successfully market themself to potential employers in a competitive industry.

How has the Lubin School of Business helped you prepare for your current internship?

Students within the Lubin School of Business have a multitude of resources available, which we're encouraged to take advantage of. Every class so far has had a hands-on marketing-related project that covers market research, analysis, and financial planning that provides a kickstart for your career. The curriculum also occasionally requires us to complete certificate courses, which helps improve our career-oriented skills.

What attracted you to your current internship with the commercial real estate firm Newmark?

With the uprising of remote job culture, marketing in the commercial real estate industry has become more challenging, and I'm always up for a challenge. I've also always admired New York City's architecture and the brick-and-mortar shops it offers.

Describe what a typical day looks like as an intern at Newmark.

For social media marketing in real estate, I visit retail sites to capture pictures and develop creative and analytical strategies and suggestions to market them. The day for my department typically starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m.

What has been the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your internship so far?

So far, the highlights include intern-exclusive "lunch and learn" sessions with Newmark employees and getting commercial real estate tours of classic buildings like the Empire State Building and One World Trade.

How has this experience shaped or impacted your career goals?

As an international student with no prior work experience in my home country, this internship has introduced me to a corporate culture that is foreign to me and has helped me strengthen my resume.

How will this experience impact your next semester at Lubin?

Being an intern is more like being a student than an actual employee, as we have group projects and "lunch and learn" sessions with employees. So, the upcoming semester will be more professional and easier to navigate in terms of task completion.

Once you secure an internship, make an effort to be all ears, take your time to think before you answer, and be inquisitive. While hard skills look great on resumes, you must ultimately conquer relevant soft skills to level up in corporate.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students who would like to pursue an internship in the future?

Treat internships/on-campus assistantships, volunteering/club leadership opportunities, and good grades as your priority. Keep your friends and professors close as networking starts from connecting with your professors, asking relevant questions, and seeking out opportunities with their guidance. Once you secure an internship, make an effort to be all ears, take your time to think before you answer, and be inquisitive. While hard skills look great on resumes, you must ultimately conquer relevant soft skills to level up in corporate. If you ever feel stuck somewhere, a part of the solution would be utilizing the multitude of career and educational counseling resources that Pace University offers. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn!