This is the third part in a series called Diary of a Grad Student. Our writer is a current Master of Science in Real Estate candidate at Baruch College in New York. She will be chronicling her everyday experiences as a student in the graduate program. Check back here each week for more!
Sometimes I still can’t believe I live in New York after moving here 2 years ago. Is it normal to get this unreal feeling from time to time? When I was in Syracuse, I made myself a list of things I would definitely do when I arrived in NYC; and I believe I’ve left most of the list unchecked. I can’t even find that list anymore.
I used to describe myself as a “foodie”, and let’s just say my favorite meal of any day is brunch. That list consisted of mostly restaurants I wanted to go, but now that I see the places on the list crossed out and replaced by new restaurants, I realize that describing myself as “foodie” is totally an understatement. New York definitely has THE best food from food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants. The location of Baruch College is great, too. Those restaurants near the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park have made me gain a lot during the past semester.
I didn’t really understand what people mean when they say it’s all about location until I moved here. Even for a student like myself, NYC sure has a lot to offer, with opportunities like networking events all the time. The fact that Baruch is in NYC brings quite a lot firms to campus for on-campus recruiting and information sessions. On top of that, professionals in the industry are willing to come to campus to give a speech or have a coffee chat with students here after work.
Organizations such as CREFC (Commercial Real Estate Finance Council) and ULI (Urban Land Institute) all have New York chapters, which host events on a regular basis. With the access provided by Baruch Real Estate Department, I attended a few of those events and benefited a lot. What I appreciate most in those professional organizations is that they network, share knowledge, help further people’s careers, and give back.
Other students help, too. The Real Estate Club at Baruch College hosted a Hudson Yards event last semester, which was a great success. In November, our club will host an on-site event at Hudson Yards and provide students with a tour of the site.
In addition to those great opportunities, NYC is at the front of real estate development. I walk around Manhattan every day and see those commercial and residential construction sites going on everywhere. What’s more exciting than that to a real estate major?
So it looks like my things-I-can’t-believe-I-still-haven’t-done-in-NYC list is getting longer, but hopefully I can shorten it in the next few months. That is, if I don’t find another restaurant – or cool new event – before then.
– Shuo Wang, MS Real Estate