Undergraduate Student Spotlight
Undergraduate Student Spotlight
Meet Amanda, a business student passionate about real estate development who took our Principles of Real Estate Development course.
What Pappas Real Estate Development courses have you taken? How have they shaped your academic experience and professional development?
I took Principles of Real Estate Development, which provided an in-depth look at how real estate projects are planned, financed, and brought to life. This course gave me hands-on experience with financial modeling, market analysis, and site development, all of which are crucial components of real estate development. By working on financial feasibility studies and market positioning, I was able to sharpen my analytical skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities involved in real estate decision-making.
The course has also played a significant role in my professional development, reinforcing my passion for hotel, mixed-use, and community development. The practical approach to learning has given me the confidence to step into the industry with a solid foundation in finance, development strategy, and project evaluation.
What would you tell prospective students about the Pappas Real Estate Development Program? What advice would you share?
The Pappas Real Estate Development Program is an excellent opportunity for students from finance, hospitality, engineering, architecture, or any other field to break into real estate development. The program’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to gain a holistic understanding of how different industries contribute to the built environment.
For those considering the program, my advice would be to immerse yourself fully—connect with professors, ask questions, and engage in projects that challenge you. The more you put into the experience, the more you will get out of it. Also, take advantage of the networking opportunities the program provides; real estate is a relationship-driven industry, and the connections you make here will be valuable as you progress in your career.
What’s next?
I am currently searching for a full-time role in real estate development that will allow me to apply my knowledge and gain practical experience. My long-term goal is to work in hotel, mixed-use, and community development, helping to create spaces that are not only functional but also enhance the quality of life for those who use them.
In the short term, I have joined Morton Bradbury Real Estate Group as a Real Estate Assistant, where my work is centered on client care. This role allows me to engage directly with clients, providing them with a seamless experience and ensuring their needs are met throughout the real estate process.
After a few years of professional experience, I plan to pursue an MBA in real estate to further refine my expertise and expand my career opportunities in development.
The Walton Project
The Walton Project was an incredibly meaningful experience for me, both as an aspiring developer and as someone who values the history and identity of communities. My partner and I envisioned this project as more than just a development—we wanted to create a space that honored the heritage of the area while offering something new and vibrant to its residents.
We made a conscious decision to preserve and celebrate the name “Walton,” recognizing its deep roots in the community. Our vision was to establish a place of connection where families and individuals could gather, shop, dine, and enjoy the atmosphere. We carefully designed a mix of residential, retail, and green spaces, ensuring that the development would cater to different aspects of daily life.
At the heart of Walton, we incorporated a green space for picnics and leisure, surrounded by thoughtfully curated retail and dining options. Our goal was to create a destination, not just a development—a place where people would choose to spend time, whether they lived there, worked there, or simply wanted to experience the vibrancy of the community.
This project reinforced my belief that real estate development is about more than just buildings—it’s about creating environments that foster community, history, and a sense of belonging. Through Walton, I gained a deeper appreciation for the role developers play in shaping the experiences of people who interact with a space every day. It was a project that combined strategy, creativity, and heart, and it solidified my desire to work in real estate development for the long term.