For Students and Academics

Programs and Resources for Students and Academics

CREFC offers a range of programs and resources for students and academics interested in commercial real estate finance, allowing them to build the knowledge, skills, and industry connections essential for a career in the industry. For example, through CREFC’s Next Gen Financiers Program and newly launched University Partnerships Program, students gain access to industry mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities. Additionally, CREFC Education offers many programs, webinars, and trainings to to provide insights into CRE finance trends, market analysis, and professional development.

 




Become an Academic Member


CREFC is dedicated to educating students and empowering professors about CRE finance. CREFC offers an unparalleled ability to connect, participate, advocate and learn. CREFC develops educational programming to provide its members with the foundational knowledge necessary to be successful within the CRE industry.  

Benefits of Academic Membership

Academic Members will have to reapply annually to renew their membership. Academic memberships start September 1st and end on August 31st.

Programs

University Partners Program 

CREFC's University Partnership Program connects students with the commercial real estate industry through complimentary academic memberships, discounted conference access, networking with industry professionals, and exclusive webinars. Students gain access to career support, including resume critiques, industry news, research, and guidance from a dedicated CREFC concierge. The program offers hands-on learning and connects universities with industry experts to enhance student preparation for CRE finance careers. Please Note: The application for the CREFC University Partners Program is to be completed at the university level and not by individual students. Learn more.

Next Gen Program 

The core goal of CREFC’s Next-Gen Program is to provide select students with a keen interest in commercial real estate finance with educational programming, mentorship opportunities, and relationship building between with our vast network of industry professionals. It provides participants with exceptional educational programming taught by senior members of the industry. Learn more. 

Mentorship Program

CREFC’s annual mentorship program, created in 2018, provides an opportunity for young leaders and seasoned professionals in the commercial real estate finance industry to connect, grow and create a lasting relationship by sharing their industry knowledge, experiences and professional guidance in a confidential and informal atmosphere. Learn more.

The Real Estate Debt Case Competition

The Real Estate Debt Case Competition offers students interested in commercial real estate debt an educational experience and networking with senior CRE professionals from CREFC. Teams analyze a real-world CRE lending case study, preparing their presentation over a week. During the competition, teams present their analysis to a panel of senior CRE executives, who judge based on analysis, conclusions, and presentation skills. Please Note: This competition is invite only. Learn more.

Resources

Education Offerings

CREFC Education provides access to webinars, live events, and on-demand courses covering foundational and advanced commercial real estate finance topics. Offerings include the introductory CRE 100 series, 101-level CMBS courses, and 201 topics like CMBS bonds and hedging, tailored to expand industry knowledge for various skill levels. Learn more.
 

Career Center 

The CREFC Career Center connects talent with commercial real estate finance opportunities, featuring job listings, company profiles, and career advice. It provides resources for job seekers to improve resumes, interview skills, and job search strategies, while employers can post positions to reach qualified candidates. Learn more.

Resource Center

The Document Resource Center holds thousands of industry-related documents online, including news, standards and best practices, forms and templates, and articles from member firms. CREFC members can access this library of documents here. 

CMBS Glossary of Terms

The CREFC CMBS Glossary of Terms provides a comprehensive, searchable database of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and commercial real estate finance terms. It includes detailed definitions across various topics, such as loan structures, interest rates, and servicing fees, useful for industry professionals, students, and academics. Learn more.