At just 19 years old, Delaney Aldrich already is getting a behind-the-scenes look at how large properties are managed – and discovering where she wants her career to go.
A first-year business student at Springfield Technical Community College, Aldrich is completing a paid property management internship at Tower Square, the 28-floor commercial office space in the heart of downtown Springfield. The experience, she says, is shaping her long-term goals in real estate and investing.
During her senior year of high school, Aldrich took classes at an area college, but quickly realized she was looking for a different higher education experience.
“I wanted something local and affordable,” said Aldrich, a Granby resident. “I didn’t want to be in debt, especially because I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do yet.”
Family recommendations and positive word of mouth led her to STCC, where she enrolled as a business major. Initially, she planned to earn her associate degree and head straight into the workforce. That changed after she began building connections with faculty.
Last semester, Aldrich took Professor Thomas Niemi’s Principles of Management class, which became a turning point.
“He really responded to my interest in investments and real estate,” Aldrich said. “He connected me with two property managers, and that’s how I ended up meeting Sara Smith.”
Smith ’97, the general manager at Tower Square and a STCC alumna, invited Aldrich in for what was originally meant to be an informational conversation about the industry. Instead, the meeting turned into something much more.
“After we talked, she asked if I would be interested in an internship,” Aldrich said. “It was a wicked surprise!”
Today, Aldrich works about eight paid internship hours a week at Tower Square while carrying a full courseload at STCC. Each day brings a new learning opportunity.
“So far, every day has been different,” she said. “I’ve toured different departments, worked on the tenant handbook, reviewed security reports and even spent time with the cleaning department while they updated safety data sheets.”
She also gets exposure to the technical side of managing a large facility, including conversations with engineers and staff responsible for utilities and building systems.
“It really opened my eyes to how much goes on behind the scenes,” Aldrich said.
Smith said Aldrich’s inquisitive nature and drive to build a career in property management led to the offer to intern at Tower Square.
Read More at Springfield Technical Community College News