Mason Master’s in Real Estate Development (MRED) students who’ve taken classes with Mark Hassinger have undoubtedly heard him tout the myriad benefits of  membership in NAIOP, the commercial real estate development association. To paraphrase Mark, shame on you if you haven’t become a member. Membership dues are extremely modest for Mason grad students and the value of membership is immeasurable.

In fact, that value was on full display last Thursday, May 10, when I, and at least seven of my fellow MRED classmates, joined hundreds of NoVA commercial real estate industry professionals (including Mark) to participate in the association’s annual Bus Tour.

The tour provided a unique, “out of the classroom and into the world” opportunity to witness the real estate development life cycle – the vision, the raw ground, the construction and the assets – and to further reinforce how much I’ve learned about real estate development in my first academic year at Mason. Incidentally, the networking opportunity was unrivaled.

I certainly share Mark’s sentiment with regard to the benefits of NAIOP NoVA membership. However, I’ll leave the shaming of my fellow MRED classmates who’ve not yet become members of the association to him.

Photo courtesy of NAIOP NoVA

Central to the urban vision for Tyson’s is equalizing the ratio of people living in the area to those working there—as much as possible, said Cumbie, a founding member of Mason’s Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship board.  NVCommercial’s current development proposal calls for apartments, destination dining and an outdoor promenade, as well office, hotel and retail space, as for a total of one million square feet.  The area, where 150 people now work, will become home to more than 1000 residents and a work destination for more than 1800.

Cumbie’s advice to the Mason Real Estate graduate students–Get to know the millennials…what they’ll need and want. “I believe that demographics are the most underused tools in economics,” he said. “I built my career around anticipating the needs of the baby boomers.  The millennials are an even larger group.”

NV Commercial CEO Stephen Cumbie, Mason real estate grad student  Erik Taylor, and School of Management Dean Jorge Haddock discuss the future of Tyson’s Corner. By 2050, it is estimated that more than 100,000 will live in the Tyson’s area and more than 200,000 will work there. For more information on the vision for Tyson’s including land use guidelines, environmental stewardship and transportation objectives see the Comprehensive Plan for Tyson’s Corner.

As a recent graduate of the MS in Real Estate Development program at George Mason, I wanted to share several reasons why Mason’s program is a top choice compared to other competitive national programs. There are several strengths that make it stand out.

In real estate, location is usually very important. George Mason University is located in what is arguably one of the most lucrative markets in the United States. The Washington D.C. area has weathered the recent economic downturn better than any other market, with real estate conditions remaining relatively insulated from negative market forces—and ready for new growth.

In addition to its relevant location, the Mason program was created by real estate developers, so real estate development is embedded in its DNA. Some of the biggest names in the regional industry are connected to the program and often serve as guest lecturers, adjunct faculty and student mentors.

Also counted among the strengths of the program are the quality of its professors and the breadth of courses offered. The professors are veterans of the industry, with ample experience and strong industry connections. The value of the experience they bring to the classroom is evident from day one. The Mason real estate program is connected to several schools within the university, including the Schools of Management, Engineering and Public Policy. The variety of classes offered and the quality of the professors are integral features of this well-rounded degree program.

If you are looking for a world-class real estate development program, you will find the Master of Science in Real Estate Development at George Mason to be a great choice. From the variety of classes offered, to the student body and professors, your knowledge and career will be enriched from day one.

Good luck!

Make the most of your interview opportunity
Advice from Jackie Buchy, Assistant Dean, Graduate Enrollment, School of Management

Practice Practice Practice!  Preparing for an interview is just an important as the interview itself.  Dress the part, be on time or even better, show up a few minutes early.

1. Anticipate questions so you can present your best self.  Practices answers to those questions by providing the best examples to demonstrate why you are the right fit for the position you are seeking. Use the details of the job description to speak to examples of how you meet and exceed the qualifications and experience they are looking for.
2. Know the basics:

• What are your strengths?  Weaknesses?  What are the names and backgrounds of the people you are interviewing with?  What if any, will your role be with them in this new position?
• Don’t ask about anything you could find on the website.  This is your chance for face-to-face interaction, quality time to get answers to questions you are looking for that would not be found on a website.
• Know what skills the position will require and be sure to demonstrate those skills if possible in the interview.  For example, if you will need to present, market, or promote in your potential new role, make sure you show how strongly you can do those things in an interview. 

Lastly, don’t become discouraged if you don’t achieve the success you were hoping for.  Look at each interview as an opportunity to enhance your interview skills, to frame the way you speak about yourself, your skills, and what benefit you will bring to an organization.  Remember, you are interviewing the organization and the people as well.  This needs to be a good fit for you as much as a good fit for them. 

Acing your application
Advice from Clodagh Bassett, Assistant Director, Master of Science in Technology Management

• As soon as you start thinking about a graduate degree go ahead and request at least two copies of your undergraduate transcript(s).  You’ll need them from each school where you earned college credit.
• Another note about transcripts–The most efficient way of delivering your transcripts is to have them sent directly to George Mason University at the address on the application form.  If the transcripts will be coming from you, be sure to submit them in their sealed envelopes.  This makes them “official.”
• Almost every graduate program will ask for a goals statement. Why not play around with ideas? Type one out, leave it for a few days then revisit. Keep doing that until it’s ready to go.

Next up: Putting the icing on your resume

Requesting references
Advice from Erika Waxbom, Assistant Director, MBA Programs, School of Management

The two required professional references are a critical part of your School of Management graduate application.  A little advance planning can help ensure that you’ll have references that enhance your application–and that you’ll have them on time.

• Before you begin your on-line application, contact the people you’ve determined will speak most positively about your professional performance—preferably current and/or former supervisors.  Ask your potential references if they’d be willing to write a letter in your behalf.  Give them some background on the degree you’re planning to pursue and your interest in that field.
• Once they’ve agreed, let them know that they’ll be receiving an e-mail from George Mason University with the recommendation form.
• Be sure you have the correct e-mail addresses to enter into your application.  When your save your application, the “Recommendation for Graduate Study” form will go to those addresses.  Your references will return the forms directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
• Be sure to give your recommenders at least four weeks to respond.  Check your application status to see that the recommendations have been received.  You may need to do a gentle follow-up if they haven’t.
• Once the recommendations are in, a note of thanks to your references is always a nice touch.

Next up: Make the most of your interview opportunity

Polishing your Goals Statement
Tell us about your professional plans and career objectives.
You don’t have to write a lot… just 750 to 1,000 words.

• Include things like your personal qualities and development and how they have influenced your career choice.
• Outline your reasons for pursuing this particular degree in relation to your academic background and professional work experience.
• Tell us where you hope to be in your career five or ten years from now.  How do you plan to get there?
• Share your reasons for selecting George Mason University.  This really resonates with us!