Staci DumoskiEmily Beasy has long been fascinated with the real estate market in Southern California. “I grew up in a town that started very desolate. As I grew up, a city was built around me,” she says. “Seeing these master planned communities and the really cool retail centers go up, attracting a lot of families to the area, it was very exciting to be a part of that and to see it come through to fruition.”
Beasy’s early interest in property development led her to Chapman University’s Masters of Science in Real Estate program, where she is graduating as one of the 15 students who make up the program’s inaugural class. The 10-month immersive program is a unique opportunity in Orange County to learn the fundamentals of real estate development, finance and investment in the heart of one of the country’s most dynamic real estate landscapes.
“There has never been a more important time, or a more opportune time, to become a part of the real estate industry in Southern California,” says Dr. Tom Turk, dean of Chapman University’s Argyros School of Business and Economics. “We designed this program for people who want to make a real impact on the economy and how people live their lives. Whether they come from a real estate background or not, they will find the connections and knowledge they need to be successful.”
Planning for a Career in Real Estate
Michael Schidlovsky was already working for a residential land brokerage when he began the MSRE program. That’s where he met John Kelterer, a lecturer at the Argyros School, who encouraged him to enter the program.
“John said it would help take my career to the next level and help me understand real estate even further, from the 30,000 foot view down to the ground level,” says Schidlovsky. “It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career, because it’s led to more opportunities.” Schidlovsky recently accepted an associate position with Colliers International in Los Angeles.
“I was unsure where the degree would take me,” says Lexi Jensen, who majored in dance as an undergraduate, “but just by learning from the industry professionals, I’ve been able to hone in on what I was strong in and what I enjoyed the most. It really gave me a clear path about what I’m doing. I’m finally starting to feel confident with my decisions and I have a better understanding of the real estate industry and all the different facets it offers.” Jensen is now working for a commercial real estate company in Newport Beach.
Hands-On Mentorship with Real Estate Professionals
The rigorous curriculum in the MSRE program is supplemented by frequent guest speakers, leading professionals from within the real estate industry who offer real-world expertise and guidance for students who are just starting out.
“The program has allowed me to meet so many different people, and connect to them in a really unique way, a personal and candid way,” says student Davis Case, whose family owns and operates real estate in Orange County. “Chapman has brought in people who want to help. Everybody who’s come in has left saying, ‘Please, please, please feel free to call me if you need anything. I’m more than happy to get on the phone with you if there’s anything that you need.’”
Those personal connections have proven to be the not-so-secret ingredient that has made the transition from student to real estate professional a reality for most of the new grads.
“It was really inspiring and amazing to be able to build relationships with those people who have deep connections and robust experience in the industry, to hear about their successes and their challenges along the way,” says Beasy. “Walking away from the program, I feel a lot more confident in what I know about the industry and I feel comfortable jumping into a real estate career.”
Beasy has received numerous job offers through the program. “This program has opened so many doors that, I can say with 100% confidence, would not be available if I had not done this program,” she says. The right opportunity is just around the corner.
