Rauf Mirishli

I am a Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) student at the University of Washington, graduating in June 2027 with advanced standing. I am from Azerbaijan and have studied bachelor of Finance at Baku Engineering University which I finished with an honors diploma.

My professional career began in the banking sector where I worked at multiple positions as a credit risk underwriter and financial risk analyst. I conducted financial statements and cash flow analyses for business clients, assessed their credit risk and worthiness, and made lending recommendations, set risk limits for bank’s short- and long-term investments.

From June 2024 until I started my studies at University of Washington Master of Real Estate program, I was employed as a senior economist at Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, the country’s sole railway transportation operator. My main responsibilities included calculation of cost-of-service, income and expense analysis, break-even assessments, and subsidy estimation. This role provided me with valuable exposure to large-scale infrastructure economics and long-term investment planning.

My interest in real estate became more focused and practical following my first residential property purchase in July 2025. After conducting in-depth research on the Azerbaijani real estate market, I invested in districts that have high growth potential. These experiences highlighted the importance of accurate valuation, financial structuring, and market timing. These needs motivated me to pursue formal graduate education in real estate. The Master of Real Estate program at the University of Washington uniquely aligns with my academic background and professional ambitions. Its strong emphasis on real estate finance, development, urban land economics, and sustainability closely matches my interests and skill set.