REAL ESTATE
Why Vanderbilt?
Real estate is one of the most important asset classes in any economy. In the U.S., residential and commercial real estate totaled over $39 trillion in 2007, as compared with the $22 trillion market for corporate equities. Real estate careers are varied and focus on key areas such as development, investment, management, finance and capital markets. Owen students are exposed to a blend of courses from in-town real estate practitioners and academic faculty that give them a balanced, real-world view of the market. Owen real estate students have enjoyed a great placement record both locally and nationally.
Curriculum Focus
Real Estate Emphasis
Hours Required: 8
Take three required courses, and then choose your other classes from a wide range of courses offered by Owen and Vanderbilt’s engineering school.
Career Opportunities
MBA real estate careers include Investment Sales Brokerage, Real Estate Advisory/Investment Management, Development and Property Management.
Selected Companies That Hired Owen Students - Real Estate
| Boyle Investment Company | Legacy Partners |
| CB Richard Ellis | ProLogis |
| Crown West Realty/Petrus Partners | Silver Pointe Properties |
| Healthcare Realty | SunTrust Bank |
Faculty
Jeffery N. HaynesAdjunct Assistant Professor in Real Estate Finance |
Martin HeflinAdjunct Assistant Professor in Real Estate Finance |
J. Thomas McDanielAdjunct Professor in Real Estate Finance |
Jacob SagiVanderbilt Financial Markets Research Center Associate Professor of Finance |
Resume-Building Activities
Real Estate Club
The Real Estate Club is one of the most active at Owen, and is committed to providing the education, resources, and support for its members in real estate pursuits. Activities include networking receptions, breakfast meetings, property tours, speakers and much more.
Real Estate Capstone Project
During this semester-long course, MBA students work on a real-world real estate project, which challenges their management and business skills. Past projects include partnering with architecture students to create a comprehensive urban revitalization plan for the city of Lebanon, Tennessee.
More Resume-Building Activities
Advisory Board Networking Receptions
Receptions throughout the year allow students to meet and learn from board members.
Argus Real Estate Valuation Software Training
Learn to use this industry-standard valuation software.
Company Visits
Meet with real estate firms and high-level professionals in Nashville and other cities.
National Association of Industrial and Office Properties Breakfast Meetings
Attend the monthly NAIOP meetings free of charge as an Owen student.
Property Tours
Visit various properties and learn from the business people who made them a reality.
Real Estate Development Case Competition
Pit your real estate development skills against those of other MBA students.
Meet Students & Alumni
Mark Becher
Vanderbilt MBA 2008
Financial Analyst, Simon Property Group
“Owen got me out of my comfort zone and engaged me to do things I never thought I could. It gave me a chance to see who I can be.”
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Denver Glazier
Vanderbilt MBA 2008
Market Representative, ProLogis
“(Owen’s) faculty, administration and staff believe in constant improvement, so they’re open for students to take an ownership role in shaping the school, as well as their own destinies.”
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Scott Hall
Vanderbilt MBA 2008
Vice President – Corporate Workplace, Bank of America
“(I’m working to) make real estate a differentiating factor and competitive advantage. It’s the type of job I wanted to secure when I entered the (Owen) MBA program.”
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Stephen Songy
Vanderbilt MBA 2010
Summer Intern, Boyle Investment Company
“(Nashville) is a growing city with great business prospects, and a great place to live. (My wife and I) are looking to stay.”
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Skills Companies Seek
Experience in real estate industry or associated industry or service
Passion for the industry
Entrepreneurial bent
Constitution that can withstand a turbulent industry
Strong quantitative skills
Interpersonal & communication skills
Networking skills
Sales experience
Ability to visualize
Persistence





