Before stepping into the world of real estate asset management, Raj S. Dewangan, MSRE ’24, had over 10 years of experience in India in architecture and retail business. He shaped spaces for financial institutions, multifamily residences, and mixed-use developments as an architectural designer and later owned an optic store which gave him business and sales skills. During COVID-19, he realized the disconnect between design and feasibility and wanted to expand his horizons beyond architecture and business. “I wanted to actually see those designs happen in front of my eyes”, he noted.
In 2022, Raj joined the Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) program at the University of Washington. He got a rigorous foundation in real estate finance, market analysis, proforma fundamentals, urban real estate, and urban economics. Initially interested in the finance side of real estate, he also became interested in affordable housing after his internship at Chief Seattle Club, a nonprofit focused on housing Native communities. There, he was involved in grant writing, real estate development, property management, and acquisitions. The role evolved into a full-time position as an Asset Manager after graduation.
Raj’s portfolio includes the recent acquisition of a $34 million apartment project, funded through multiple public sources. He explained that responsibilities go beyond traditional asset management — he ensures alignment of his work with the organization’s mission of housing every Native person experiencing homelessness through supportive housing services. “Asset management in a nonprofit is a bit different, you have to understand the personal stories of people you serve. You are not working only for the money, you are working for a mission”.
His commitment to serving the community was also seen through his active involvement in student leadership and professional associations during his time at UW: Graduate and Professional Student Senate, Runstad Department Space Planning Project Advisory Committee, UW Real Estate Club, Urban Land Institute, NAIOP, and CoreNet.
Reflecting on his time at UW, Raj credits the MSRE program not only for its technical training, but also for its access to Seattle’s real estate ecosystem. From mentorships with industry leaders to site tours of major developments, the program helped him build the relationships and insights necessary for a successful, mission-aligned career. His advice for students: “Be active as much as possible. Connect across different departments and organizations. Use your time as a student as you will have a green pass everywhere”.
Want to learn more about the MSRE program and where it can take you? https://re.be.uw.edu/programs/msre/