Related is a multi-billion dollar developing real estate company spanned across 25 different states — half of the U.S. — and is the largest owner of affordable housing in the country. But, that’s only the exterior. During career discovery week a group of students along with Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Codio, and Mr. Auffrey got to take a look at the interior of the company. Physically and metaphorically.
Down at the heart of Hudson Yards — a neighborhood on the West Side of Midtown Manhattan and the last stop on the Manhattan bound 7 train — lies the headquarters of Related. However, Hudson Yards isn’t just the location of their headquarters, Related owns and develops that plot of land. Related is an in-house developer that oversees the entire process of developing; from acquiring land to construction. With a company as complex as this one, it requires a lot of talent! People who work at Related all offer something different to the table, whether it be contracting, an architecture, or interning.
During Career Discovery Week, high school students have the opportunity to learn about companies around New York and the different careers that create a successful business. In March, WHSAD had the pleasure of meeting and learning from Assistant Project Managers, Senior Analysts, Design Managers, and Associates who work at Related. Initially, the stunning interior entrance of the building left the group of students speechless. Additionally, the amount of technology incorporated into the experience amazed them.Yet, this was only the beginning to the knowledgeable and fun day that the group of students had.
First on the day’s itinerary was a lavish breakfast served with fresh fruits and bagels and gourmet desserts. Followed by an introduction to the company by the Head of Talent Acquisition and Vice President of Talent Acquisition. Students received a brief history of the company and learned about the roles of those presenting. That ended with students asking the professionals questions. Students jotted notes and listened intently to the new careers that could in front of them: “At first, I thought that it was going to be a strict and forward environment where we hear the information they give us, we ask a couple questions and then we leave. However, that wasn’t the case. Other than learning about how we can move forward in our careers, internships, and what The Related Companies is all about, there was space to have fun as well and even at the same time,” says Victoria Ferguson, an inspiring interior designer. Despite her interest in interior design, Victoria gained wisdom that could be applied to any field, not just real estate.
Afterward, students had an interactive internship presentation by the Early Careers Team. The team was thoroughly impressed by the amount of students who had already started or even completed their resumes. Students learned about the questions to ask when developing a resume and preparing for an interview. Students were reassured that they were on the right track towards college and the workforce.
Then, the students were able to be a part of a career panel. This opened the eyes to many students as they were able to ask one on one questions with professionals at Related. Zorea Donadelle, a sophomore who attended the trip, had this to say about the panel: “ Aside from all the branches of real estate I learned that participating in extracurriculars and part-time jobs can go a long way. Putting yourself out in the world and exploring different fields to see what you do and don’t like can help determine your future. Putting yourself out in the world can make you eligible to find your passion and be happy in your workspace.” The panel provided Zorea with a high school to-do list: Clubs, Sports, Community service, etc. High school can be overwhelming but when you hear the experience of the professionals, it somehow makes the experience slightly less challenging.
Many students thought that after the panel the day was over. But it was far from over. First, we broke for lunch. There were a variety of different sandwiches for the students. Ethan Philbert, another sophomore who attended the trip, was marveling over the roast beef sandwich he had snagged. Lunch was another opportunity for the group of students to talk to the panelists personally. The next planned activity was the Edge tour, a 100 story outside observation deck. The highest observation deck in New York City!
The trip to the observation deck was a complicated one. Because of the massiveness of the building, the students had to travel through four different elevators. The first two to get back to the ground floor. The third to the edge checkpoint, then the fourth to the observation deck. Unfortunately, despite our elevation above New York, the weather obscured the view of the city. The fog completely surrounded the deck. Paired with the intense winds at that height and the rain, it was extremely cold and wet. But that didn’t stop the group of students from taking pictures and enjoying themselves. Truly an otherworldly experience as described by the students.
Lastly, with the trip coming to a close, students gathered for one last time to discuss what they learned, and potential activities to host on the edge. The group of students left fulfilled with confidence for their futures. And the teacher chaperones left feeling excited about potential partnerships with Related Companies. An eye and mind opening experience that I definitely recommend. You don’t just learn but you clarify doubts that may arise within yourself about your academic progress. You’re on the right path towards your career even if you don’t feel so.
-Alonzo Jones, WHSAD Sophomore
Related Companies is a 65 billion dollar company that specializes in retail. Their company has people with diverse experiences, such as architects, assistant project managers, and a senior analyst who did know much about the retail industry when they started but learned so much after working a few years at Related. There is so much that goes into retail, so people with different experiences help in realizing the ambitious work the company does.
Also, with such a big team they need a big building to work in, in this case The Edge building. It looks so cool. It has marble and polished wood everywhere. It also has a cool technology system on the elevator that shows you what floor you want to be on and what elevator you should take. Also another thing I liked is that the building is LEED certified, so it is super clean and uses renewable resources to power the building. Other than that It was a cool and nice experience to go and learn more about Related Group and also go on the top floor to go outside in the rain to see the edge attraction. It was really windy and cold but worth it.
-Jordan Louis, WHSAD Sophomore