Intern, Student Housing Acquisitions

Core Spaces; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Spaces in Chicago is seeking a summer intern to support the student housing acquisitions team in our city office. This role emphasizes analytical work, Excel and PowerPoint proficiency, and collaboration with acquisitions, asset management, and capital markets teams to gain broad exposure to deal workflows.

You will perform market research, assist underwriting with Excel, prepare investment summaries in PowerPoint, and help with due diligence and market maps.

Qualifications

• Sophomore or junior in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• Knowledge of real estate principles, finance, and accounting.
• Willing to work in-person and travel for tours and research.
• Motivated, organized, and eager to learn.
• Positive, collaborative team player.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research on university markets nationwide.
• Use Excel to assist underwriting.
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations of investment opportunities.
• Assist in due diligence processes.
• Create market maps with Google MyMaps.
• Support turn and move-in for new deliveries in mid-August.
• Provide additional analytical or transactional support as needed.
• Assist with various office administrative tasks.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Real estate knowledge

Excel

PowerPoint

Analytical mindset

Travel willingness

Education

Undergraduate student (Sophomore/Junior)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Google MyMaps

Job description

Who We Are

Core Spaces (Core) is more than a real estate company, it’s a people company. Where building relationships is just as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Our six cultural values guide us every day and we strive to live them in everything we do: PUSH (Invent Better Places to Live), GRIT (We Got This), LIFT (Help Each Other Win), SHINE (Bring Your Full Self), UPHOLD (Never Break Trust), GROW (Always Get Better). Everything Core does stems from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience. This unique approach has led to creating spaces and services that are redefining the way people live.

What We Do

Founded in 2010, Core is a vertically integrated real estate investment manager focused on acquiring, developing and managing across the student housing and build-to-rent (“BTR”) sectors. Its residential communities feature world-class amenities, progressive design, and hospitality-driven service. Core’s student housing portfolio includes over 74,440 beds currently owned or managed, with a pipeline of over 53,860 beds in various stages of development. Core’s BTR division has over 3,000 homes under development, now leasing or in its pipeline in high-growth metros nationwide. For more information, visit www.corespaces.com.

* Portfolio and pipeline numbers as of Q2 2026

Benefits That Matter

• A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging
• Hybrid or remote work options may vary by role to support work-life balance
• Competitive pay that values your contributions
• Monthly workshop weeks; fewer meetings & more collaboration
• An environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives

Position Overview

We are searching for a summer intern to assist the student housing acquisitions team in our Chicago office (In-Person). The ideal candidate has broad-based analytical skills, strong understanding of Excel and PowerPoint, interpersonal intelligence, and a passion for real estate. This individual will go through a series of trainings with members of our Acquisitions, Asset Management, Capital Markets, Design, Legal, and Marketing teams to get exposure to the entire deal process. The intern will report directly to the Acquisitions Associate, with oversight from the Managing Director.

What You Will Do

• Conducting market research for various university markets across the country
• Using Excel to assist in the underwriting process
• Preparing PowerPoint presentations to summarize investment opportunities
• Assisting in the due diligence process
• Creating market maps using Google MyMaps
• Assisting with turn and move-in for new deliveries in mid-August
• Providing any other analytical or transactional support as needed
• Assisting with various office administrative tasks as needed
• Occasional travel may be necessary as needed
• Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned by management
• Must be able to complete all physical requirements of this role with or without a reasonable accommodation

Ideally, You'll Have

• Sophomore/Junior studying Real Estate, Finance, Economics, or a related field
• General knowledge of real estate principles, finance, and accounting
• Ability to work in-person and travel as needed for property tours and market research
• Highly motivated, organized, and determined individual with an eagerness to learn
• A positive mindset and an enjoyable person to be around

Organizational Structure

Reports to: Associate, Acquisitions

Direct Reports: N/A

Disclaimer

Please note that job responsibilities, reporting lines, and duties outlined in this job description are subject to change to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Core Spaces celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, which creates a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are and the community they represent.

Pay Range

USD $25.00 - USD $25.00 /Hr.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation range listed reflects the base salary or hourly rate that we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications, seniority, geographic location, and business needs.

This role may be eligible for additional forms of compensation, including bonuses, commissions, stipends, or non-cash incentives, depending on position and performance. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other role-based offerings, subject to eligibility requirements.

All compensation components are subject to change based on business conditions.