What school did you transfer from?
I transferred from Skagit Valley College (Go Cardinals!).
What is the name of your hometown?
Burlington, Washington
Tell us about your background – what drew you to apply to UW as as transfer student?
Growing up wearing Husky gear, UW has always been my dream school. UW’s extensive alumni network, academic reputation, and its surrounding bustling campus and city are what drew me to apply.
Why did you choose Real Estate as a major?
I chose Real Estate as a major because it combines business, finance, strategy, and design. It’s a field that’s constantly evolving and can allow me to make a lasting impact. I also wanted a major that could open many doors and opportunities.
So far, what has been the greatest lesson/s you have taken away from your time at UW as well as with the Real Estate program?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how important relationships are and the power of networking. In the Real Estate industry, it’s just as important or even more important who you know than rather what you know. Reaching out to alumni, setting up networking events, and getting involved are key.
Now that you are currently studying Real Estate, what would you say is the biggest misconception about the Real Estate Major?
The biggest misconception I’ve heard is that the Real Estate Major is only about selling houses. There is so much more than that: commercial development, asset management, investment and market analysis, and economics. The Real Estate program does a great job of exposing students to many types of Real Estate programs and opportunities.
How has life at UW been different from your previous institution? What adjustments did you have to make as you transferred from one school to another?
Going from Skagit Valley College to UW has been very different. From 2,000 to over 50,000 students, life at UW is more fast-paced and self-directed. There are larger workloads, a bigger campus, and the ability to find yourself along with groups of other students willing to support you. This also came with more opportunities, such as guest speakers, industry panels, and larger internship and career fairs.
What advice would you give a prospective student looking to transfer into UW?
Take advantage of the resources around you. As transfer students, our time is limited at UW, and you absolutely have to make the most of it. Reach out to your professors, connect with other students, study abroad, go to that industry panel, ask that question. UW has tons of student support systems if you seek them out.
Where is your favorite go-to spot on campus, to relax, study, hang out, eat, etc?
To relax and study, I like the chairs as soon as you walk into Odegaard; it’s a very relaxing atmosphere. Cultivate and By George are my go-to places to eat on campus. Cultivate has a great Cheeseburger, and the By George Berry Acai Granola Bowl is my favorite for breakfast most mornings.
As you look ahead at your future, post UW, what are some of your career aspirations, and how will your Bachelor of Science in Real Estate, lead you to achieve them?
Post-graduation, I’m aiming to work in wealth and asset management, specifically with a focus on real estate investment. I’m drawn to the strategic side of managing portfolios, helping clients grow their wealth through thoughtfully chosen real estate assets, REITs, or private equity real estate funds. The B.S. in Real Estate has equipped me with a strong foundation in financial modeling, investment analysis, and market research, tools that are directly transferable to the asset management world. It’s also helped me understand how to assess risk, identify long-term value, and being able to communicate that. In the long term, I hope to either work with a major investment firm or eventually manage a diversified portfolio of assets of my own.