My name is Simone Bridges and my career aspiration for this internship is to become a realtor. I completed my internship at LaRosa Realty of Jacksonville, FL. My internship lasted for 6 weeks during the summer of 2024. I had an amazing time getting to work side by side with Mrs. Diana and Mr. Dwight. They are so welcoming, and I am so glad to have become a part of their realtor family, all thanks to Ms. Dee for connecting me to them. Although my internship with them has ended, I will for sure stay in touch with them and reconnect in my future. Because my experience was so amazing, I don’t see this as a goodbye, I’d rather say it’s a temporary departure.
I’ve learned so many things at La Rosa Realty of Jacksonville and have connected with so many inspirational people. This has given me even more of a head start on my career because not only did I get advice and help from Mrs. Diana and Mr. Dwight, but also from all the people they have introduced me to. During my internship experience, I got the opportunity to learn most of the management and paperwork portion of closing homes. It was really great to see another side because it’s so essential to know how to read numbers and know everything you need to flip or sell a house to a buyer. I didn’t realize how much a team you would need to do this job. I was also given the opportunity to attend some major meetings with some major people and go to view a house to take a tour of it. Something that really stood out to me is the relationship between the company’s workers. Even though they are all there for work, they have moments where they bond on an off day and truly care about one another.
I also loved all the nuggets I got during this experience. I made an acronym called “BOOST” as one of my assignments they gave me. It is truly something any realtor can relate to can use to help give them guidance and “boost” their mindset to become a better realtor. “B” stands for balance, ensure that you put everything in your schedule (put every single event, closing, showing, or appointment on your calendar). “O” stands for opportunity (seize every opportunity while going out there and creating opportunities for yourself). “O” stands for observant (watch where you were the previous year and see what you can do to become even better this year and watch other people and see what different skills you can use to become better). “S” stands for strategy, every realtor needs some type of blueprint they follow (whatever skill you want to use whether it’s door knocking, spreading flyers, or simply going to events and talking to people, make sure you have some type of strategy). “T” stands for time, (create good time management skills, if you know you slack, try to create a plan to do a little more to reach your goal of being better than you were the previous year, and if you know you tend to overload yourself a lot, try to create days where you can take a breath and slow down because mental health if very important).
Participating in the Annie Ruth Foundation’s summer internship program was definitely impactful for my future career, and I wouldn’t change all the sacrifices I made to be a part of it for anything. I believe everything was worth it at the end. Considering that I own my own business and was doing dual enrollment in high school while trying to attend all the business seminars, calls, and events, it was not easy. But it was all worth it at the end of the day, this program has truly blessed me with an amazing journey with Mrs. Diana and Mr. Dwight that has just began. La Rosa Realty of Jacksonville is a really great company, and I love the fact that they have multiple locations and still work together as a team. Thank you so much Annie Ruth Foundation, they have made a huge staple in my future.