From development and finance to strategy and innovation, the real estate industry continues to shape the way we live, work, and grow, and is consistently a desirable post-MBA industry for our students. During Real Estate Industry Week, from November 3 to 7, Rice Business students will have the opportunity to explore the various career pathways in this dynamic sector through panels, networking, and hands-on experiences designed to connect classroom learning with real-world impact.
Here’s a look at what we’ve got planned:
Real Estate Career Connections
Tuesday, November 4 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM | McNair Hall, AFC
Register in 12twenty
The week will begin with Real Estate Career Connections, hosted in partnership with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and employers in the Commercial Real Estate Finance (CREF) program.
This industry forum and job fair will bring together students from Rice and across Houston to learn about internships, full-time roles, and the many ways MBAs can make an impact in the $4.8 trillion commercial real estate finance industry. Company recruiters and industry leaders will share insights on career entry points, emerging trends, and what it takes to succeed in real estate finance.
Panelists include:
- Jeff Majewski, Executive Managing Director, CBRE
- Clark Hibbert, Relationship Manager III, PNC
- Gill Dolan, Managing Director, Greystone
- Tucker Knight, Senior Managing Director, Berkadia
Students will have the opportunity to connect with employers, ask questions, and discover how their business education can open doors across lending, development, and investment.
Alumni Insights Panel
Wednesday, November 5 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM | McNair Hall – 312
Register in 12twenty
The Real Estate Association is hosting this Alumni Panel, featuring Rice Business graduates who are leading and shaping the industry. Panelists will share candid career stories, lessons learned, and advice on how to develop expertise and resilience in a rapidly evolving market.
Panelists include:
- Zach Dobin ’20, Head of Acquisitions, Triten Real Estate Partners
- Lauren Gagetta ’21, Director of Strategic Finance, MetroNational
- Carter Dowd ’22, Senior Investment Associate, The Dinerstein Companies
Through open dialogue and Q&A, students will gain firsthand insights into how Rice MBAs are applying finance, strategy, and leadership skills to drive growth and innovation in the real estate sector.
Real Estate Trek
Friday, November 7 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Hines Downtown
Add your name to the waitlist in 12twenty
The week will conclude with a Real Estate Trek to Hines Downtown, where students will tour one of Houston’s most recognized real estate firms and meet with professionals from across the company. The visit will offer a closer look at how large-scale projects come to life—from concept to construction—and how MBAs can play a key role in investment, operations, and development strategy.
Leverage the Tools at your Fingertips: CDO Real Estate Resources
- The Real Estate Career Community page with tailored insights and assets.
- The Real Estate Networking List is designed for current students to connect with professionals from the Rice Business community who have opted into networking with MBAs.
- The Real Estate Association, a student-led organization offering opportunities to engage and connect with peers interested in the technology industry.
- This Alumni Career Panel for Real Estate (video) features candid advice and experiences from Rice Business graduates in the field.
These resources are here to help you make the most of your career pursuits in real estate, available anytime, online.
Real Estate Industry Week will highlight the expanding career possibilities available to Rice Business students interested in real estate and finance. By combining alumni engagement, employer partnerships, and immersive experiences, the week will reflect what makes the Rice Business approach distinctive: connecting talent with opportunity and preparing students to lead in industries that are shaping the future of business and our communities.
