Lela Borrero
Director of Investments and Development
Gatehouse Capital
PRE year of Graduation: 2007
Concentration: Finance and Development
Home: Currently living in Dallas, TX, but originally from Bogotá, Colombia
Looking back:
I think I would advise prospective students two things: do your research on classes early so you can make the most of your experience at Cornell. Ask the second-years for their opinions, and when possible, ask other students at the schools where the courses are being taught such as the Hotel School and Business School. Second, try to become friends with people outside the program so you can expand your horizons and make your time at Cornell more enriching both personally and professionally.
Career:
I currently work for a mixed use, hospitality driven developer based out of Dallas, Texas. For the first time in my life, I actually love what I am doing. I am not sure how many people can honestly make this same statement, and I truly feel like one of the luckiest people. I believe I would not have had this opportunity had I not attended the Cornell Program in Real Estate. And I am not getting paid to say this!
Before going to Cornell, I had been working in management consulting for financial institutions in Colombia. Although challenging and a great learning experience, I knew it was not my calling and that I was actually interested in real estate development. Therefore, I saw the Masters in Real Estate as a perfect opportunity to make this career change, learn about the industry, and surround myself with industry leaders in the extensive Cornell network.
When I speak about the Cornell network, it is truly a network of professionals in some of the best positions and companies out there. In fact, the way I got both my internship at Lehman Brothers, and my current job at Gatehouse Capital, was due to the Cornell relationships I built during my stay at Cornell.
Now, I have my dream job developing projects consisting of upper upscale hotels, residences and retail in the United States as well as in Latin America. The preparation that the Program in Real Estate gave me in various fields such as hospitality finance and development, pro-forma analysis, affordable housing, historic preservation, and construction management gave me most of the skills necessary to be a project manager. Now that I deal with all types of professionals including lawyers, architects, brokers, city officials, as well as many others, I feel comfortable, and although I learn something new every day, I believe I would not have the confidence that I have now had I not attended this program.
I hope my point of view has been helpful, and if you would like to contact me directly, please ask the Program in Real Estate office for my contact information.