Nathan S. Collier Master of Science in Real Estate students benefit from mentorship of real estate professionals on UF Real Estate Advisory Board
By Liz Collins, BSBA – ISOM ’19, MSRE ’20
In the summer of 2014, I traveled to I Taueki village in Fiji, where I spent time volunteering to improve sanitation by enhancing facilities and conducting educational workshops. There, I came away with two things: the magnitude of always adding value and giving back and second, the desire to learn more about the way community infrastructures shape the business environment. This adventure inspired me to pursue a field where I add the same lasting, positive impact to the place I live and work – commercial real estate. After graduating this past May with a degree in Information Systems and Operations Management, I decided to pursue the Nathan S. Collier Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) to help me reach my real estate career goals.
As a student in the MSRE program, I have access to the UF Real Estate Advisory Board, a network more than 100 real estate industry professionals that work to foster connections with current students as well as past students that are working in the field. The members dedicate their time and efforts to advance the quality and visibility of the Nathan S. Collier Master of Science in Real Estate program.
When accepted into the program, one of your first assignments is picking Advisory Board members that you want to have as your mentors. Even though this process assigns you three mentors, using the entire Advisory Board network is highly suggested. During my time in the program, I have connected with a plethora of Advisory Board members regarding topics from career advice to guidance throughout my internship/job search. These mentorships are invaluable to my professional and personal development because they are able to teach lessons that are learned outside of the classroom.
After I graduate, I am moving to Atlanta to work at Duff & Phelps on their Real Estate Advisory Team. Even though I am employed as my last year comes to an end at the University of Florida, I still plan on utilizing the extensive network the board offers. I look forward to creating new relationships with the members as this year progresses and nurturing the ones I’ve established throughout my time in the program. The advice and mentorship provided to me from the board is something I will cherish as I navigate the beginning steps of my career, which I’m excited to start so I can help shape community infrastructure every day and leave a positive impact on the business environment.
