Current Employer: Cushman and Wakefield
Position: Research Analyst
Graduation Date: Spring 2019
Undergraduate Institution and Degree: B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a B.A. in Economics from NC State University
Favorite Place in Charlotte: Suffolk Punch in SouthEnd
Hometown: Concord, NC
Dream Job: Analyzing and investing private equity in real estate projects across the Southeast
What degree did you pursue and why?
I pursued a Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) because it is a great opportunity to have a concentrated course of study, additionally, the degree program provides valuable networking opportunities that is imperative in pursuing a career in real estate.
Why did you choose the Belk College of Business over others?
I’m working at Cushman and Wakefield’s office in Uptown Charlotte and it was extremely beneficial to be able to go right down the street to UNC Charlotte’s Center City campus. Also, the MSRE program is the only program in North Carolina other than Chapel Hill’s program. Being able to work while continuing my studies was very important in my decision.
What lessons did you learn in your courses that you were able to apply on the job?
I would say in real estate and at school your reputation means everything. No one wants to work with someone on group project/study session if they don’t pull their weight, which goes hand in hand in the commercial real estate forum.
What can you share about your experience being an Ambassador?
There’s a lot of wonderful opportunities to go out and hear from speakers that you may not have otherwise gone and seen. A lot of the speakers are well known in Charlotte and provide profound insight into their careers and advice for achieving your goals.
What was the best part of your academic experience?
We went to Budapest and Prague for a week. It’s one thing to study real estate in the United States, which is the safest country for institutional investors to place capital. However, when you go over to eastern Europe where you can still see the effects of communism and the corruption that persists it gives you a new perspective and appreciation for what we have back in the states.
What were your next steps after graduating?
I can't wait to enjoy the summer. I am also looking forward to putting 100% of my time into continuing my CRE career at Cushman & Wakefield and I'm excited to see what the future holds.
What was your best memory from your time at unc charlotte?
It was probably the opening dinner we had in Prague that served authentic Czech cuisine. During the meal there were entertainers that would perform traditional dances as well as play games with everyone that had studied abroad.
How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone considering a master’s program?
There’s not many programs that are like it. A degree is nice, but at the end of the day most people are pursuing a degree to give them a leg up in the job market and to help bridge the gap into a certain career path. This program not only gives you the industry knowledge you’ll need, but there are invaluable networking opportunities that are invaluable if you want to have a career in real estate in Charlotte.
Anything else you want to share that may help readers learn about Belk College graduate programs?
Reach out to me if you’d like to hear more. Real estate is a face to face business so get used to getting out of your comfort zone, network and begin your path of starting a career in one of the most demanding yet rewarding fields out there.
