Perspectives
Williamson uses coursework concepts to solve real-world problems in asset management
The Wood Center amplifies the voices of students taking part in real estate-focused summer experiences in a student-produced series called Internship Reflections. Hear first-hand about the amazing professional development, project sites, and real world real estate opportunities these students are being exposed to.
This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Asana Partners in Charlotte, North Carolina, as an Asset Management Intern. Asana Partners is a retail real estate investment firm that creates value in vibrant neighborhoods by leveraging vertically integrated capabilities and extensive retail expertise. With more than $9 billion of neighborhood assets under management, the firm is active in growth markets throughout the United States and is committed to making a positive impact within the communities it serves. Being part of an organization that combines real estate investment, asset management, property management, and community development gave me valuable exposure to an industry that I had previously only explored through classroom learning. More importantly, I was entrusted with meaningful projects that directly supported portfolio performance and strategic business initiatives across the company.
One of the most meaningful experiences during my internship was helping support the creation of APX, Asana Partners’ new in-house property management company. This initiative provided a unique opportunity to contribute to a startup-like venture within an established real estate investment firm. My role involved assisting with many aspects of launching the company, including staffing allocations across the portfolio, branding efforts, operational planning, and other foundational processes needed to establish a new business line. By combining my growing knowledge of commercial real estate with the operational leadership experience I gained during my service in the U.S. Navy, I was able to contribute to the strategic planning and execution required to launch a new property management platform. Working on APX gave me firsthand exposure to what it takes to build a business from the ground up.
In addition to my work with APX, one of my primary responsibilities was leading portfolio-wide accounts receivable initiatives focused on improving tenant collections and strengthening collaboration among operational teams. I led region-wide discussions with Asset Management, Investment Accounting, and Property Management teams to review outstanding tenant balances, establish action plans, and drive collection efforts across the portfolio. Through recurring review meetings and monthly AR action reports, we strengthened cross-functional alignment, increased accountability, and implemented a more structured process for monitoring and resolving outstanding receivables. These efforts contributed to the collection of more than $2.8 million in outstanding tenant receivables during my internship. Seeing these efforts result in meaningful collections showed me how even small process improvements and consistent communication can have a significant impact on portfolio performance.
Throughout the internship, I also had the opportunity to support Asset Management teams overseeing properties across both the Southeast and Northeast regions of the portfolio. This exposure provided valuable insight into a diverse range of assets and markets while helping me understand how investment strategies, leasing dynamics, and operational decisions vary across regions. I regularly worked with financial and operational data, reviewed property performance metrics, and assisted with projects that supported broader portfolio objectives. The experience allowed me to connect concepts from my finance, accounting, and economics coursework to real-world challenges and decisions being made every day across the portfolio. More importantly, it showed me how academic knowledge serves as a foundation for decision-making, while on-the-job experience develops the judgment and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the industry.
Beyond the technical experience, the internship offered valuable professional development opportunities. Collaborating with professionals across asset management, development, investments, accounting, and property management provided a comprehensive view of the commercial real estate industry and the interconnected roles that drive portfolio performance. What stood out most was the willingness of everyone at Asana to answer questions, share their experiences, and invest time in my development throughout the summer. Their support created an environment where I felt challenged, encouraged, and continuously learning.
Overall, my internship at Asana Partners significantly influenced my career aspirations. Prior to this experience, my primary interest within commercial real estate was development. However, my time at Asana introduced me to the dynamic intersection of asset management, operations, and investment strategy, and showed me how those functions work together to create value across a portfolio. The opportunity to help launch APX, drive portfolio-wide accounts receivable initiatives, and support assets across multiple regions reinforced my interest in strategic problem-solving, operational execution, and investment analysis. As I approach graduation, I am increasingly interested in pursuing a career in real estate investment or asset management, where I can continue combining financial analysis, operational leadership, and long-term value creation. One of the biggest lessons I learned this summer is the importance of staying curious. Whether through coursework, asking questions, or seeking opportunities outside of your immediate responsibilities, maintaining a willingness to learn can provide new perspectives and uncover career paths you may not have previously considered. I am grateful for the experience, mentorship, and opportunities provided by Asana Partners, and I look forward to applying these lessons throughout my future career.