ICSC Launch Academy
Launch Academy provides summer internship opportunities for undergraduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to learn more about the development and management of marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Students from various academic backgrounds – ranging from finance to philosophy – have leveraged this program to secure summer internships as well as full-time positions after graduation.
Our specially curated curriculum will provide you with an opportunity to receive industry specific knowledge and training, hands-on professional experience, and access to a network of industry leaders from across the country.
- Exclusive access to summer internship opportunities
- Interview and resume support
- 30+ hours of Marketplaces Industry-focused pre-internship education (hybrid-format), including a mandatory orientation, plus:
- Professional development
- Networking
- Continuing education throughout the summer
- An industry mentor
- Travel and relocation assistance grants available (based on financial need)
- ICSC student membership and discounted event registration
Application Requirements:
- Completed application Apply here
- Resume
- College transcript (showing minimum 2.5 GPA)
- Essay: In 150–250 words, express your interest in retail real estate
Below are the basic steps for applying. The application process may vary slightly in your area—but don’t worry, we’re always here to help you.
Phase 1
- Start your application here. You will need to submit your college transcript and resume as well as a statement of interest.
- Check your inbox for your decision letter. We will notify you when you have been accepted into Launch Academy. Remember to check your spam folder!
- Attend a Launch Saturday Academy*. This special session will teach you more about the retail real estate industry and the career paths within the industry. Resume and interview support will also be offered.
*This step is not required if you are a past Launch Academy intern and/or participant of the ICSC Retail Real Estate Bridge Program.
Once you’ve completed and passed the subsequent exam, you will receive:
- Access to exclusive internship opportunities with leading retail real estate companies
- $100 stipend
4. Create a Thrive TRM account and start applying for internship opportunities.
5. Keep an eye out for emails from hiring companies.
Action / Task |
Date / Duration |
|---|---|
|
Student Application Early Access Deadline |
October 12, 2023 |
| Student Application Deadline |
December 31, 2023 |
|
Saturday Academy |
Session A: Intro to Commercial/Retail Real Estate Session B: Retail Real Estate & Exploration of Career Session A: Intro to Commercial/Retail Real Estate Session B: Retail Real Estate & Exploration of Career Session A: Intro to Commercial/Retail Real Estate Session B: Retail Real Estate & Exploration of Career |
* Required
Phase 2
Once hired, you’ll continue your journey of acquiring valuable industry knowledge and professional job skills. Additionally, you can look forward to an introduction to your industry mentor, ICSC student membership, relocation assistance, and our ongoing support through the duration of Launch Academy and beyond.
Action / Task |
Date / Duration |
|
Case Study Day |
May 28, 2024 |
|
Professional Development Day |
May 29, 2024 |
|
Internship Period |
May / June - August 2024 |
Interested in sponsoring an intern?
If you seek to improve diversity and inclusion within your company, ICSC can help connect you to a pipeline of high-performing, BIPOC undergraduate students from across the country. Please contact Jazmen Johnson at jjohnson@icsc.com to learn more.
2023 Sponsoring Companies
For more information, please contact
The ICSC Foundation is the charitable arm of ICSC dedicated to creating a vibrant Marketplaces Industry by building a pipeline of bright, ambitious and diverse talent that can drive the industry forward.
The member organization for industry advancement, ICSC promotes and elevates the marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play and gather as foundational and vital ingredients of communities and economies.