Last May, I graduated from Smith College. Now I live in New York and work as a Project Manager at PDS Development, a Brooklyn-based real estate development and consulting firm. My experience with the job application process had nothing to do with LinkedIn, a perfect résumé, or most of the mainstream advice Gen Z has been given about landing a job.
It had everything to do with human connection.
I’ve loved all things real estate and design since I was 10 years old. I grew up around it — spreading garden mulch on Brooklyn investment properties for $15 an hour, shadowing agents at showings, interning at a local architecture firm, and ultimately passing my real estate licensing exam at 18.
Thankfully, I landed my dream job straight out of college in a unique way.
A Facebook post, and seizing the moment
One day, during my junior year, I randomly hopped on Facebook and spotted a post in a community group called “Park Slope Together,” formed during COVID to support neighbors and local businesses. A successful real estate developer was looking for administrative assistance, and I was hungry for real-world, working experience — something not easily accessible as a full-time student in Massachusetts.
Twenty-three people flooded the comments. I messaged him directly on Facebook Messenger, we got on the phone, and within days, he started sending me remote tasks to complete while I finished my studies. The most amusing part? He lived up the street from my childhood home; we were neighbors.
I worked quietly in the background of his operations for two years.
As my last semester of college approached, he said, “You know, if you’re ever interested in full-time work, we can talk about what that could look like.” It was a no-brainer; I jumped at the opportunity to work with him, someone who was so inspiring to me. His mentorship and generosity felt invaluable. I’m now working full-time at PDS, and I couldn’t be happier.
Since starting, I’ve sourced sites for charter schools and other nonprofit programs, attended RFP site visits, supported loan financing for nonprofits, helped facilitate relationships with financial institutions, and represented the firm at events. The most meaningful part has been the building of relationships with clients, brokers, building owners, and coworkers.
The importance of human connection
In this new era of digital connection, where many people are firing off identical applications, I’ve found that human connection is what helps people stand out — nurturing real relationships. I’ve watched peers navigate the process through digital channels alone, and the contrast is stark.
I’ve recently started attending real estate events. Though I’ve struggled with a fear of public speaking, I raised my hand to ask a question during a Q&A. I left feeling proud, and it even opened up conversations after the event.
It’s no surprise that much of professional communication happens digitally, and often without a face behind the name. As communication becomes increasingly digitized, it’s more important than ever to grow human connections.
Recognizing your existing network
Despite the challenges that come with building a career as a young person, one major advantage is that people want to help you. They think back to when they were just as uncertain in their early 20’s.
Accept the help and welcome mentorship.
For those who don’t think they already have a strong network: you may not realize it, but you do. You have family, friends, neighbors, teachers, community members, alum. Asking someone to grab a coffee may seem like a small step, but you never know what types of opportunities could come from it.
Don’t rush figuring everything out
When I was a kid, I went rock hunting behind my home in Michigan. I found a rock, and something made me grab a marker and write a message on it: “Try new things.” I still have the rock, and I often think back to the message.
I’ve learned to go with the flow and not rush myself to figure out my life. It’s easy to feel pressured to follow specific, linear paths, but I’ve observed that career trajectories (and personal ones for that matter) aren’t always as structured as they appear to be.
Three years ago, I would never have expected to be doing the work I’m currently doing, but I was open to the experience of trying something new.
My message to those reading, who may feel lost: Believe in yourself, even when the destination isn’t visible. Put yourself out there and meet new people. Try new things.
Liliana Hetherman is a real estate professional based in Brooklyn, New York. Connect on LinkedIn
