For the past eight weeks, I've had the prestigious opportunity to participate in the Valbridge Scholars program at the Philadelphia office, which culminated in the 2025 Valbridge Scholar Summit held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This internship experience significantly expanded my view on the appraisal industry, and seriously blew me away at the attention to detail and dedication of the company as a whole to build a memorable experience for me. I've had the pleasure of learning directly from Richard Wolf, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, CRE, whose mentorship has illustrated what it truly means to be a professional in this field. What stood out most to me was the strong sense of collaboration and professionalism that exists across the entire company. Throughout the program, I was fortunate to connect with experienced appraisers, analysts, and executives, all of whom were generous with their time and eager to offer personalized guidance.

In addition to office immersion, property inspections, and appraisal work, the Scholar Summit brought together Valbridge leaders and professionals from across the country, making it clear how wide-reaching Valbridge Property Advisors is within the industry. The sessions were engaging, consisting of dialogue around emerging valuation trends and advice to us interns on how to grow ourselves into respected professionals in any work environment. Everyone—from interns to executives—was approachable and genuinely invested in helping us grow and learn.

I am walking away from this experience with a deeper understanding of the appraisal profession and a newfound appreciation for the role Valbridge plays in shaping the future of the industry. Whether I pursue a career in valuation or a similar path in finance, I know the lessons, foundations, and relationships I've gained here will follow me wherever I go.

With Gratitude,