At Berkadia, we are dedicated to fostering the growth of our early career professionals, ensuring they have a solid foundation for their future in the industry. We are committed to providing personal development opportunities, training, and mentorship. We value our people and are passionate about ensuring that each individual has the tools they need to succeed.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Dawson Dewar, Real Estate Analyst, who sits in our Chicago office, to learn more about his experience in Berkadia’s Rotational Analyst Program and his transition to his current role as a Mortgage Banking Analyst. Our Rotational Analyst Program is a one-year program that takes a dynamic approach to analyst onboarding and development across two of Berkadia’s three most critical platforms – mortgage banking, investment sales and underwriting.
What was your Rotational Analyst Program experience like?
As a rotational analyst, my first six months were with Berkadia’s Chicago Investment Sales platform representing multifamily owners and operators in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in facilitating the sale of multifamily properties.
How were you introduced to Berkadia’s Rotational Analyst Program?
I was introduced to the rotational analyst program during my senior year at Indiana University while networking for real estate opportunities in Chicago. I connected with one of the analysts in Berkadia’s Chicago office, and they recommended I apply to the Rotational Analyst Program.
What excites you most about starting your early career with Berkadia?
Having exposure to different clients, deals, and learning how to underwrite and analyze challenging deals across the country. Also, learning from bankers who have been in the industry through multiple different market cycles is extremely exciting.
What stood out about Berkadia when you were interviewing for full-time roles and early career opportunities?
The resources available include mentors, career development sessions, and the ability to learn and ask questions to industry leading talent.
What is your current role at Berkadia?
I completed the rotational analyst program in July 2024 and am currently a Real Estate Analyst for Berkadia Chicago Mortgage Banking. I am currently working on financing opportunities for apartments, student housing, ground-up development, retail, and industrial properties.
What is the best piece of advice you have received so far in your full-time role?
You are going to be learning something new in real estate every day, for the rest of your career, so don’t be afraid to ask questions because no question is a dumb question.
How have your leaders and colleagues supported your professional development during your rotational program?
My mentors and fellow colleagues have supported my professional development by allowing me to take the first “stab” at the underwriting and analysis of deals. This has allowed me to learn from my mistakes and use my creativity to formulate cohesive analysis throughout my time at Berkadia. In addition, they have also introduced me to many different property and deal types to broaden my knowledge in commercial real estate.
What advice would you give someone interested in working at Berkadia?
Reach out to Berkadia employees to see if this is the place for you. They can give you a background into what type of company Berkadia is and also get you excited about the type of deals that are closing and their day-to-day duties.