In celebration of National Brokers Day, commercial real estate professionals from Newmark Associates CRE visited the Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design, giving local students an immersive, front-row seat to the world of commercial real estate (CRE).
The educational session, spearheaded by Jeannette Melillo, vice president, and Jack Maier, senior associate, was designed to demystify the industry and inspire the next generation of real estate and design leaders.
Rather than relying on a traditional lecture, the Newmark Associates team engaged students through interactive, hands-on role-playing exercises that simulated real-world property transactions.
Students stepped into the shoes of vital industry players to execute mock lease negotiations and property sales. By taking on distinct roles—including brokers, landlords, tenants, and attorneys—the students gained a practical, comprehensive understanding of what it takes to close a commercial deal.
The exercises also underscored the vast ecosystem of professionals required to complete a single transaction, highlighting how brokers, property owners, architects, engineers, attorneys, and financial institutions must collaborate to shape a city’s landscape.
“Our goal is to bring the industry to life in a way that resonates,” Melillo said. “When students step into these roles, they begin to see not just a transaction, but the teamwork, strategy, and opportunities each role presents.”
The classroom visit serves as a kickoff for Newmark Associates’ broader summer mentorship program. The initiative targets Newark students in grades 9 through 12, offering them ongoing exposure to the field through interactive learning, real-world applications, and direct networking access to industry veterans.
Project leaders emphasized that sparking interest early in high school can radically alter a student’s professional trajectory.
“Introducing students at the 9th-grade level is especially impactful,” Maier added. “It gives students time to explore interests, build confidence, and start thinking about career paths they may not have otherwise considered.”
The partnership was met with high praise from school administrators, who view real-world corporate collaboration as a cornerstone of modern specialized education.
“We welcome our partners, Newmark Associates, for National Broker Day,” Soraia Mendes, principal of the Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design, said. “It was a powerful opportunity for our students to engage with industry professionals, explore real-world pathways in real estate, and envision their future as leaders in the field. Experiences like these are essential as we continue to connect classroom learning to meaningful career opportunities.”
