Professional Report - 2nd Quarter 2011

estate programs have a more regional/local focus. Students gain significant exposure to a given region and that is a definite positive for employers that practice in that region.

In conclusion, industry focus is the key component of the graduate specialized real estate program. SIOR members that are looking for an employee that has a proven commitment to the real estate industry should consider a graduate from one of these programs. Advanced education in the real estate arena will allow these students to hit the ground running and create value for your company on day one. In addition, the specialized real estate degrees are all focused on improving the professionalism of the real estate industry. The term ‘real estate developer’ or ‘real estate broker’ often conjures up the image of the proverbial “used car salesman” to the general public.

In unison with the mission of most professional associations, including SIOR and ULI, the graduate real estate programs are united in their attempt to shape leaders and stewards of tomorrow’s sustainable and intelligent land use. This mission and dedication to the world of real estate and land use should be considered when researching these real estate programs. We require doctors to spend years before they are allowed to practice on patients, lawyers must go to law school and pass the bar exam so hiring someone that has taken time out to gain a clear understanding of the complex world of real estate, will be beneficial and improve the professionalism of our industry immensely.