May Abou Ghazaleh is not only the assistant director of the Master’s in Real Estate Development (MRED) program at George Mason University’s School of Business, but she’s also an alumna of the program.
Abou Ghazaleh graduated in 2016, and says she was first drawn to Mason due to its renowned reputation for promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Before moving to the U.S., Abou Ghazaleh worked as an architect in Syria. She has more than 15 years of experience in design, urban planning, and project management, and has worked on large-scale residential developments. Her experiences inspired her to delve deeper into commercial real estate development to understand not only the technical aspects of the development process but also to gain insight into the business side of it. Abou Ghazaleh has been working with the MRED program since 2016.
Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with Abou Ghazaleh to learn more about her own journey, who she feels is the best fit for the MRED program, and her reasons why Mason’s MRED program is All Together Different.
What brought you to Mason?
I initially came to Mason as an international student to pursue my master’s in real estate development. The MRED program caught my attention for its notable standing, its highly knowledgeable faculty, its commitment to high-quality learning, and the remarkable achievements that students and alums have attained in the real estate industry.
What type of person is a good fit for Mason’s MRED program?
The ideal candidate is an individual with at least two years of real estate industry experience, looking to grow in their career, transition to a different field, or become an entrepreneur. The program is designed to equip each student with the knowledge, skills, and professional network necessary to achieve their goals. That said, the program isn’t exclusive to those already working in real estate. We have welcomed students new to the industry who bring a wealth of transferable skills and experiences.
What makes Mason’s MRED program unique?
The diverse and flexible curriculum, the practical experiences we offer to students, the support from the Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship (CREE) and its advisory board members, the strong and engaged MRED alumni network, and the substantial engagement with industry professionals and organizations in both the public and private sectors all make the MRED program unique.
What strategies do you and the MRED faculty employ to ensure the program remains relevant and up-to-date in today’s rapidly changing market?
We use a number of strategies, including:
- Industry engagement: We actively collaborate with industry professionals and experts, inviting them to impart their insights, experiences, and the latest trends in the field through guest lectures, seminars, and workshops. We are fortunate to have the support of the Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship (CREE), which offers many extracurricular activities, educational sessions, and networking events. These opportunities help students stay abreast of the latest developments in the industry.
- Curriculum reviews and updates: We conduct frequent reviews and updates of our curriculum to integrate new topics that reflect the ongoing changes and advancements in the industry.
- Real-world projects and case studies: We incorporate practical projects and case studies, especially in our capstone and student investment fund classes. This enables students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios to enrich their learning experience.
- Collaboration with professional organizations: Thanks to the Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship, we maintain strong relationships with professional organizations and associations in the real estate sector. Students are sponsored to join these organizations and attend their events, enhancing their exposure and networking opportunities.
- Feedback and continuous improvement: We highly value feedback from our students, alumni, and industry partners, which is instrumental in continuously refining and enhancing the program to ensure it aligns with the needs and expectations of the students and the evolving market.
How do you measure the success and effectiveness of the MRED program?
The program has established itself as one of the most successful and impactful real estate master’s programs in the Washington, D.C./Maryland/Virginia area. The career advancement of our students, both during their time in the program and as alumni, stands as a testament to the program's efficacy and influence. Also, the robust engagement and continued support of the CREE Advisory Board and the scholarships they provide are additional proof of the program's triumphs. Our students' multiple wins in the NAIOP Capital Challenge and the valued partnerships we've cultivated with the public and private sectors speak volumes about our program's effectiveness. The positive feedback we continually receive from our capstone and investment fund classes also serve as endorsements of the program's impact.Finally, the renowned faculty members contributing to our program further elevate its standing and reinforce its success in fostering academic and professional development.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
I am most proud of the opportunity to give back to the academic community that has shaped me. Being able to teach, mentor, and support the distinguished students at George Mason’s School of Business has been incredibly rewarding. I take great pride in contributing to their journey, aiding their academic and personal growth, and witnessing their successes and achievements. This aspect of my career holds the most meaning for me, as it allows me to make a positive impact and contribute to developing the next generation of professionals in the real estate industry.
What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
One of my favorite pastimes is indulging in my passion for interior design. I thoroughly enjoy decorating and transforming any space I live in in my free time, utilizing creative yet affordable ideas. I love experimenting with various styles and layouts to craft aesthetically pleasing and welcoming environments.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I enjoy assembling items such as IKEA furniture, LEGOs, and miniature models.
The Master’s in Real Estate Development (MRED) program at George Mason University’s School of Business is designed to enhance the employment potential and upward mobility of real estate industry professionals. For those working in development, architecture, engineering, public planning, construction management, real estate finance, mortgage lending, property management, real estate laws, or related fields, the MRED program prepares students for key positions in real estate investment and development.
If you’re interested in learning more about Mason’s Master’s in Real Estate Development program, register for an upcoming info session or request more information about the program here.