Smart Ideas Intern
Smart Ideas Writing & Research Internship (Spring–Summer 2026)
Offered by ESG Real Estate Lab
This is not a traditional internship
Most internships teach you tasks.
This one teaches you how to think, how to communicate, and how to make people pay attention to your ideas.
We are launching the Smart Ideas Initiative — a program focused on discovering and explaining innovative companies and solutions shaping the future of cities, business, finance, and technology.
Students will research real companies (primarily startups and growth-stage firms) and produce short published reports that translate complex ideas into clear, engaging writing that people actually want to read.
This is as much a communication and thinking program as it is a research project.
About Us
ESG Real Estate Lab is a research and strategy group exploring the intersection of business, innovation, urban development, and sustainability. Our goal is to help the next generation learn how to analyze real organizations and communicate insights clearly to a broad audience — investors, founders, policymakers, and the public.
We believe writing is not just an academic exercise.
Writing is how professionals influence decisions, build credibility, and create opportunities.
About the Opportunity
Students will each select a company working on an interesting “smart idea” — this could include:
new real estate or housing models
innovative finance or investment platforms
climate and renewable solutions
urban technology and infrastructure
mobility and transportation systems
property technology (PropTech)
community or social impact business models
You will research the company and produce a 600–800 word published analysis explaining:
what the company does
why it exists
what problem it is trying to solve
whether the model actually works
what the broader impact could be
Reports will be published publicly on LinkedIn with full student credit.
What Makes This Different
This internship is partly about research — but primarily about learning how to communicate ideas.
You will learn:
how to structure an argument
how to explain complicated ideas simply
how to write clearly and concisely
how to write for a professional audience
how to engage readers so they continue reading
how to ask good questions
how to form opinions supported by evidence
how professionals actually use writing in business
We will also discuss why people write — writing is how analysts, investors, and founders demonstrate expertise and build networks. Clear writing often creates more career opportunities than technical knowledge alone.
What You’ll Do
Research a real company and its business model
Analyze its market, strategy, and potential impact
Write a 600–800 word professional report
Revise drafts based on feedback and guidance
Learn how to interview or contact companies if appropriate
Publish your work with attribution
What You Gain
A published professional writing portfolio
Evidence of initiative and independent thinking
Stronger analytical and communication skills
Networking opportunities with founders and industry professionals
Visibility among employers and organizations
A potential pathway to internships or mentorship relationships
Practice turning research into clear, persuasive communication
Students often find that one strong published article helps them more in interviews than multiple coursework assignments.
Why Companies Participate
They receive thoughtful external analysis of their model
They gain visibility among students and professional audiences
They connect with motivated future talent
They see how younger audiences interpret their ideas
Who Should Apply
Open to undergraduate and graduate students in any field. Particularly relevant for students interested in:
business, finance, or entrepreneurship
real estate and urban development
sustainability and climate
public policy
journalism or communications
economics or social sciences
We are not looking for perfect writers. We are looking for curious thinkers willing to ask questions and improve.
Details
Duration: Spring–Summer 2026
Format: Remote
Commitment: Flexible, part-time (approximately one report and optional discussions)
Compensation: Unpaid (educational and portfolio-based experience)
If you want to learn how professionals use writing to build credibility, influence decisions, and open career doors, this program is designed for you.