I'm so glad a section like this was created. I am just entering my senior year in high school and I know what I want to be - a real estate developer. So now is my time to stress over how I plan to get there. I've done TONS of research on various programs and paths and am "looping" in my decisions. I was either going to get into commerce or planning, but I don't know which way is best if I want to be a real estate developer. After researching many universities I was able to narrow it down to USC (which is no longer an option because $$$), UBC (BComm), and UWaterloo (BES in Planning). So pretty much if I decide to take the business approach I'll go to UBC or if planning is the best way then I'll go to UWaterloo. Then after 2 years of work experience since graduating, I'll pursue the MRED (Masters of Real Estate Development) perhaps in conjuction with and MBA at USC. That is pretty much my plan as of now, but I would appreciate any advice on programs, universities, etc.

Have you visited this thread, "Top 12 US University Real Estate Departments Ranked (Links included!) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=129685)", here in The Pro Section?

There are countless ways of entering the development field. The quickest way is to go the business route, but you might be as well-rounded as you want to be. I highly recommned an advanced degree: Business, Planning, Law.

I have a gift for you. A while back, I found it on University of Michigan's website:

The [Real Estate] Career Matrix

Are you interested in pursuing a career in Real Estate? This table will provide you with guide to select courses as well as the relative importance of each course to a full range of fields.

If you are having trouble reading this download Netscape 4
How To Read The Matrix

1. Locate the career of interest ( Top Row )
2. Find the suggested courses in the columns below
3. A 'X' indicates the course is important to the career you're exploring
4. A 'XX' indicates the course is very important to the career you're exploring

(Click to view The [Real Estate] Career Matrix) (http://www.umich.edu/~reecon/restate/career/matrix.htm)

That was very helpful. I'm only unsure though if UBC or UWaterloo has the courses to cover all the study areas mentioned.

That was very helpful. I'm only unsure though if UBC or UWaterloo has the courses to cover all the study areas mentioned.
That's something you can do for yourself. Why don't you look on their websites? In an ultra-competitive world like Real Estate you have to be proactive. All you have to do it check out the websites of Real Estate departments ranked by US News and compare them to the schools you're interested in. Perhaps, you might be interested in one of the US schools on the list.

You expressed that you're not sure what route to take. That's what I was trying to help you figure out. What do you want to do? Do you want to plan or do you want to develop? Or, do you want to plan and develop? What? I recommend a course of study that's well-rounded as possible so you'll have many options. Also, let me just say, you don't even need a degree or a major in a particular field to be a real estate developer or a planner. All you need is credibility. How do you get credibility? Well, a degree (it does help), work experience, age/maturity, community involvment activities, etc.

Here's a link for UWaterloo's planning program (and page for prospective undergrads):

http://www.fes.uwaterloo.ca/planning/
http://www.fes.uwaterloo.ca/planning/prospective/02a.html

I don't know how much real estate you are going to get out of that program though, most of what is taught in it seems to be focused on the environmental and design elements of planning.

Anyways I'm glad that you're considering UW because that the school I'll be going into in a couple of days.... for math for now, not ES, but since this forum section is making me feel jealous, you never know what'll happen in the future...

The real estate matrix is very helpful!

Thank You.

^No problem. :okay:

So, any other tips and tricks?

Um, additionally, I recommend joining some professional associations, such as Urban Land Institute, and getting a real estate license (easy to obtain, handy to have). And, attend city council meetings -- get involved!

I dont know how it works in the US but i'm studying a B Comm majoring in PRoperty at uni in Aus. I started with Urban and regional planning and then did commere. As i said, im not sure about the USA but here we get electives which we choos from anywhere in the uni. If its the same, you're better off doing property and doing a few planning units as electives coz the planning degree goes way deeper than you need to go to do development

And, attend city council meetings

Oh yeah. My current job is to be a camera operator for a city. The aldermen are, let me try to put this politely, hostile to developers because they're under the impression that all developers are trying to screw everyone. I said try, but were I to edit this at all, you wouldn't get the picture. Most councils are by far not as dysfunctional as this one, but you should always buddy up with the local politicos.

I managed to get a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul MN. Well seeing that I just graduated in the spring the only real advice that I can give you is get an internship with a big real estate company as soon as you can. It doesn't matter what you learn in school its what you learn in the workplace. The bigger the company the more opportunities you will have to learn all aspects of the business. Developing real estate is by far the most difficult field in the industry, mostly because it takes so much $$$, therefor the more experience you have in brokerage, networking, property management and a broad knowledge of financing techinques the better chance you will have to fulfill your dream. Personally I am still working 2 internships and am looking for a job in brokerage where I feel I will get the training I need to someday develop my own buildings. You don't need a masters degree, you just need to know how the industry works.

This is all very interesting and helpful. Thanks.

Developing real estate is by far the most difficult field in the industry, mostly because it takes so much $$$, therefor the more experience .


Wrong with that one. According to some site it says you dont need it, but it does help.

http://www.creonline.com/art-182.html