NYCEDC Fellowship Program

Jumpstart Your Career at NYCEDC

NYCEDC’s Future Innovators in Real Estate (FIRE) Fellowship Program is a paid 16-month multidisciplinary training program that aims to prepare the next generation of talented professionals for careers in real estate development in New York City. Our FIRE fellowship aims to increase diversity in the real estate industry and develop a pipeline of talented professionals reflective of the communities we impact. 

The current class of FIRE Fellows will work full-time from January 2024 to April 2025 and receive an annual salary of $70,000, plus benefits.

The application period for 2024-25 FIRE Fellowship Program has closed. Please stay up-to-date on future opportunities by joining the NYCEDC Talent Community through the link below.

Program Objectives:

• Expand, diversify, and cultivate the city's real estate development talent pool
• Identify, recruit, and place a cohort of diverse fellows into placements across NYCEDC departments
• Provide fellows with on-the-job training that further develops the skills and knowledge needed for success in the real estate industry
• Convert fellowship opportunities to long-term careers in real estate development

Program Experience:

Each fellow will work for four months in the following teams on a rotational basis:

• Asset Management: Learn the ins and outs of capital improvement projects across industrial, commercial, and waterfront assets
• Neighborhood Strategies: Champion underserved communities by advancing projects that work toward a more just, prosperous, resilient, and sustainable New York City
• Real Estate Transaction Services: Help analyze, structure, and execute complex and large-scale real estate transactions
• Strategic Investments Group: Support a diversified fund portfolio of impact investment and venture capital programs that promote inclusive economic growth

While taking part in the work of each team, FIRE Fellows will also participate in robust educational and professional development programs, including speaker series, mentorship programs, industry events, capstone projects, and more! Fellows will be introduced to topics covering business, real estate, and leadership fundamentals, while enhancing their experience with NYCEDC and the broader NYC real estate community.

Candidate Eligibility:

All majors are welcome and encouraged to apply. Here's what we're looking for in FIRE candidates:

• Self-motivated and eager, with a curiosity to learn what it’s like to work and succeed as a real estate professional
• Recent graduates (within 1-2 years) of a CUNY or SUNY undergraduate program. Graduates from a CUNY or SUNY associate degree program are also permitted to apply. Please see our FAQ page for further information.
• One to two years of professional work experience (internship and/or full-time positions)
• Ability to work full-time (35 hours per week) at NYCEDC’s offices for the entirety of the 16-month program

Application Timeline

• June 1, 2023: Applications opened
• July 21, 2023: Applications closed
• August – November 2023: Department interviews
• December 2023: Offers extended
• January 8, 2024: Program start date

Application Process

Complete applications include:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a professional reference

For your cover letter be sure to answer the following questions:

• What about NYCEDC’s mission excites you the most?
• Why do you think the FIRE Fellowship Program is the best next step for your career?
• What past experiences would set you apart from other candidates?
• What impact would you be looking to make for New York City?

Not a fit? Check out our full-time positions.