Program in Real Estate Class of 2011 Begins Its Academic Journey
On August 26th, 2009, students in the incoming class of Cornell’s Program in Real Estate (PRE) kicked off their academic careers with Orientation Week. Orientation Week included events on and off campus. The activities, which will prove crucial to each student’s matriculation into Cornell and the PRE, included a diverse assortment of professional and social activities. Notable events included a tour of various properties, introductory real estate classes, internship presentations by second year PRE students, meetings with faculty advisors, and social events with students and faculty.
One high point of the week included an afternoon at the Hoffman Challenge Course on Mt. Pleasant. “This experience was very helpful in the team building process, especially since most of us met only a few days before,” explained Kris Rhoads, PRE Class of 2011. Kris continued “It was crucial in learning everyone’s individual leadership style.” The class formed two groups at the course, and tackled problems that required collaboration and teamwork. Students were faced with unusual and often confounding situations. Solving these problems brought out individuals’ personalities and skills, and gave classmates an opportunity to build relationships and experiment with team building strategies.
During internship presentations, new PRE students got a preview of potential internships for the upcoming summer and a snapshot of the real estate industry today. The prior class, the Class of 2010, held internships at development firms, investment banks, government organizations, and other real estate firms. The presenting students discussed the developing trends in the real estate industry and their diverse summer assignments. Some students addressed sustainability issues. Others assisted real estate firms with underwriting issues and helped government officials with acquisition decisions. Another PRE student worked with a foreign government on zoning compliance and urban planning issues. Another developed a new method to value a real estate company. Students reported satisfaction with their posts; some came back with job offers.
Orientation Week also offered the Class of 2011 opportunities to socialize and build relationships. At Taughannock Falls State Park, located on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, PRE students enjoyed a picnic highlighting the natural beauty surrounding Ithaca. Some opted to take a short hike to the waterfall. The adventure built friendships and provided ample opportunity to relax after a busy week.
Throughout orientation, new students were also introduced to alumni and industry leaders. Chris Chorebanian, PRE Class of 2011 remarked “…all of the faculty and professors are doing a great job in helping us develop relationships with those in the Cornell Real Estate network.” This interaction is a hallmark of Cornell’s Program in Real Estate. On the final day of orientation, David Funk, PRE Director, hosted a barbecue. At this event, new students mingled with faculty, staff, and second-year students, as well as PRE friends and family members. Orientation Week set the PRE Class of 2011 on a new path, building relationships and skills that should serve them well for years to come.