YPG Curriculum and Requirements

Learn more at a YPG Info Session!

For Future Leaders Who Want to be Involved in the Class of 24-25
A NAIOP SoCal program that has received recognition and is being used as a model for other chapters nationwide, the Young Professionals Group (YPG) will begin accepting applications for the 2024-25 class mid-December 2023. If you are 35 years of age or less and interested in the opportunity to become involved in this outstanding program as a candidate, this workshop will provide you with first-hand knowledge from the YPG advisors who launched the program and from individual students about their experiences and the value the program delivers. You will learn about the criteria required, the curriculum, the fun and the pain of this 12-month, 70-hour course.

Info sessions will be mid January to be held in both Orange County and Los Angeles, keep an eye out for the final dates.

Curriculum

Educate
Taught by industry leaders, each YPG educational session offers instruction in critical components of the commercial real estate industry. Each session is designed to immerse the YPG class in aspects of the business that will provide an essential background to their core real estate career objectives. Topics include land planning, development, construction, capital markets, architecture, engineering, asset management and more.

Develop
The YPG class receives personal development guidance from a course facilitator and guest instructors. Candidates will examine their personal strengths and areas of opportunity, and learn how to utilize this knowledge to cultivate success in both personal and professional environments.

Connect
Participation in YPG builds a peer group of young professionals from a range of real estate disciplines, providing a foundation of likeminded colleagues and access to critical resources that will serve the class throughout their careers.

Elevate
YPG students receive access to and training by key decision-makers in the real estate industry. These “career coaches” serve as role models and mentors, offering invaluable firsthand insight to students for their career growth. In addition, participants receive leadership training that will allow them to develop the key business skills necessary to ascend to leadership positions, not only within their respective firms but within the industry.

Requirements

YPG candidates are expected, in addition to the monthly scheduled class sessions, to devote several hours each month in preparation for case studies and participation in the program; the vast majority of that time is spent outside normal business hours. An initial retreat, which includes an orientation session and a team-building workshop, is held at the beginning stages of the program and attendance is mandatory.

Each YPG Candidate:

Must be a professional in the commercial real estate industry and a member in good standing of NAIOP SoCal.
Must be an active member in good standing of NAIOP SoCal Chapter to apply.
Must be 35 years of age by December 2024.
Must be willing to commit the time, resources and skills required for active involvement in the program including, but not limited to, attendance at all program events. Applicants must obtain explicit support of their employer for this commitment to YPG.
Must practice high standards of professional and personal integrity.
Must demonstrate leadership qualities and capabilities as well as positive attitudes.

Requirements for admission include:

Submission of the YPG checklist and application, including 1-page resume, to be reviewed and approved by YPG selection committee.
Active member in good standing of NAIOP SoCal Chapter.
Employer endorsement.
(2) recommendations written on candidate's behalf - NAIOP SoCal member(s) preferred, but not mandatory.
Company’s commitment of $3,250 corporate fee for each candidate accepted to the program. (2024-25 amount, subject to change)
Student's commitment of $750 student tuition. (2024-25 amount, subject to change)
Student's commitment to attend mandatory 2.5 day YPG Retreat, August 23-25, 2024.
Student's commitment to attend monthly educational sessions and networking events that are separate and apart from other NAIOP Corporate and NAIOP SoCal activities, with the understanding that if (2) educational sessions are missed, student will be expelled from YPG program.