REND is a student-led, subsidiary group of the Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate. The Club was founded in 2016 by former Notre Dame students with the goals of introducing undergraduates to the many opportunities available within the real estate industry and ensuring students are prepared to participate in and pursue these opportunities both at Notre Dame and thereafter.
The club focuses on offering students the following opportunities: educational workshops, experiential learning, and recruiting resources.
Educational Workshops
Networking & Recruiting
REND provides students with the knowledge and resources of how to connect with alumni and industry professionals, build authentic relationships, and navigate the recruiting process with confidence. Workshops cover everything from cold emailing and networking calls to understanding the real estate recruiting timeline, giving students a clear roadmap for internships and full-time opportunities.
Resume Reviews & Mock Interviews
REND officers provide one-on-one resume reviews to ensure students present a polished and professional image. Mock interview opportunities, both behavioral and technical, help students practice their pitch, refine answers to common questions, and prepare for the fast-paced recruiting environment. These offerings are supported by shared resources, including sample resumes, behavioral question banks, and interview prep guides.
Technical Preparation
REND offers a 5-part modeling workshop series, designed to give students a practical foundation in real estate analysis. Beginning with introductions to platforms like CoStar and PowerPoint, the course builds step-by-step toward valuation concepts and Excel best practices. By the final sessions, students understand how a real estate pro forma functions in professional settings and how to translate that knowledge into an investment presentation.
Experiential Learning
Beyond campus, REND offers students the chance to participate in top national case competitions, take part in the annual Chicago Career Trek to visit leading firms and connect with alumni, join site tours to see live projects in action, and attend the Spring Roundtable, our signature networking event that brings employers and students together for meaningful face-to-face connections.
Internal Case Competition
This year marks REND’s first internal case competition, where students team up to analyze a real-world investment opportunity, present their findings to judges, and compete for a cash prize while gaining exposure to industry professionals.
Recruiting Resources
REND equips students with the tools to excel in recruiting by offering resume reviews, mock interviews, and tailored interview prep covering both behavioral and technical questions. Students also gain access to step-by-step networking guidance, from prospecting and cold emailing to conducting effective calls and follow-ups, along with shared resources like resume and cover letter templates, interview question banks, technical practice models, and flashcards. Combined with mentorship from upperclassmen and access to alumni through FIRE industry office hours, these resources ensure students are fully prepared to compete for internships and full-time roles.