Real Estate & Finance Alliance (REFA) Mentorship Profiles

Meet the current students in our REFA mentorship program.

Finance - Class of 2023

Rohan Bagli

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Finance, concentration in Marketing and Information Systems with a minor in Economics

Career Interest(s): Financial Services, Wealth Management, and Asset Management

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I plan to hone in on the skills necessary to withstand the pressure and high volume work schedule of high level finance students. To do this I will hope to create a strong and lasting relationship with fellow REFA alumni along with my mentors. I will also aim to create a great team atmosphere with my REFA peers that are in my class. I aspire to contribute to REFA right now by trying my best to add my perspective to our discussions on the financial markets so that we can better our knowledge of the field of finance. In the future, I want to reach a point where I am contributing as an alumni, helping students get into different jobs, and providing them with even more advice and guidance.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

My experience at Henry and Horne Wealth Management as a summer intern and learning the intricacies of the financial markets through my classes at GW has piqued my interest into the field of finance. I also routinely read news articles about the markets and study different trends so I can formulate my own opinion on the market.

Augustus Burkhardt

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Finance and Political Science

Career Interest(s): Investment Banking, Financial Services

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I hope to benefit from REFA by working alongside like-minded, competitive individuals who are determined to push each other to be our best both personally and professionally. I am confident that we will be able to use the resources made available to us to sharpen our interview skills and expand our professional networks. If given the opportunity to learn from such an accomplished group of mentors, I will develop the skillset necessary to pursue a career in finance. One day, I hope to have the opportunity to offer valuable advice and mentorship to future mentees.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

I took the summer after my freshman year to solidify my passion in the field of finance, through books, virtual classes and professional networking. Networking with professionals has been the most interesting and informative part of my preparation to pursue a career in finance. Furthermore, I have been able to gain real world experience in the field of finance through an internship this fall at a Wealth Management firm.

Sophia Gallant

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Business

Career Interest(s): Asset Management

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I hope to further develop my professional and personal skills by building connections with the vast alumni network connected to REFA, as well as with surrounding peers. Utilizing this opportunity to learn from those around me, I will not only build my network but also strengthen my behavioral and technical interview skills and general financial hard skills. I also look forward to providing advice and guidance to an incoming REFA class in the coming semesters.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

In my first year at GW, I joined Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity, where I was able to gain exposure to different opportunities available for business students at GW, like REFA. During the first semester of my sophomore year, I joined the Finance and Investments Club to further my understanding of the markets. These organizations, in addition to my individual efforts to gain an understanding of general financial knowledge, have prepared me for a career in finance.

Miles Gally

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance and International Business; Minor in Economics

Career Interest(s): Investment Banking

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I hope to benefit from REFA by learning to navigate the internship search process and becoming a prime candidate for a job in Investment Banking. With the help of current and past mentees, I know I will have the skills and network necessary to land a competitive internship. One day, I want to be able to offer advice to future mentees who are trying to navigate the process.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

One of the first steps I took was to join Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity, where I was able to use their network and resources to explore a career in finance.  My interest grew through the fraternity investment committee, and that led me to an internship in Private Equity for Fall 2020.

Trevor Haen

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date:  May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Finance; Minor in Economics

Career Interest(s): Asset Management, Private Wealth Management

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

By joining the REFA program, I hope to develop the professional and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed at a competitive firm in the financial industry. I am excited by the prospect of learning from REFA's extensive network of experienced alumni to gain valuable insight into the Asset Management industry. Furthermore, I am eager to receive feedback and career advice from peer mentors who have been successful in the recruitment process. With the knowledge and tools I attain, I hope to contribute to REFA as an alumnus by offering guidance and mentorship to future mentees.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

While pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance, I have taken finance and accounting courses that serve as a solid educational foundation for my future career. In addition to taking fundamental courses, I diligently follow the markets to achieve a better understanding of finance and the issues impacting investment decisions. By networking with professionals and learning more about their roles and responsibilities, I have solidified my interest in the financial industry. In an effort to gain real-world experience managing an organization’s investments and overseeing investment strategy, I have taken the role of Portfolio Manager for Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity on campus. By joining REFA, I am taking my interest in finance to the next step and committing to the professional and academic preparation required to pursue a career in Asset Management.

Rehan Hak

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: Elliott School of International Affairs

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in International Affairs and Finance

Career Interest(s): Investment Banking, Sales & Trading

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

In joining the REFA Mentorship Program, I hope to be able to further my skills, both technical and behavioral, to put myself in the best position for success for a career on Wall Street. Working with peers who have the same professional goals as I do is something that I’m immensely looking forward to, and I hope to be able to leverage the knowledge I gain to successfully pursue a career in the financial services industry. Furthermore, I also hope to build new connections with REFA members before me and learn from as well as develop long lasting relationships with them. Likewise, when I graduate, I hope to be able to be a resource for the mentee class at that point, just as classes prior were for me.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

I’ve started reaching out to GW alumni on Wall Street to better develop my professional network. In pursuing a career in Finance, I’ve expanded my horizons by pursuing a dual B.S. in International Affairs and Finance, just to get a more rounded view of how finance intersects the world around us. Furthermore,

I keep with the news on a daily basis, just so I know the happenings of the financial sector. Finally, joining certain student organizations on campus has helped me gain actual experience in regards to financial work.

Jessica Iaconis

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing

Career Interest(s): Sales and Trading, Financial Services

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

REFA will connect me with a network of ambitious students and professionals in the industry that are able to be such great resources in helping me prepare for a career in finance. I will be able to build valuable connections and learn from the exposure I get from having stimulating conversations. With insight from the REFA mentors and peers in the program, I have been able to hear from personal accounts that will help me learn as I go through the recruiting process. With my growth through the process, I hope to be as much of a resource to future mentees. REFA acknowledges the potential of everyone in the program, and through collaboration, we invest in one another’s skillsets to prepare us for our career tracks.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

I have made it a primary goal of mine to get involved as much as possible in professional development and skill-building opportunities to build my intellectual curiosity. In high school, I got exposure to careers in different sectors of business through professional development internship programs. With the advantage of experience from interning at Accenture in management consulting and Bank of America Merrill Lynch in public finance investment banking in my native New York City, I was able to leverage integral professional skills and knowledge of what constitutes working in the industry. I have been fortunate to be able to expand my network from those experiences and insight programs such as the Morgan Stanley Freshman Enhancement Program, Goldman Sachs Women’s Leadership Camp, and RBC Women’s Advisory Program. The mentorship and knowledge I have gained, as a result, have been able to contribute to my ambition of pursuing a career in the financial sector.

Grayson Kaminer

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Business Concentrating in Finance and International Business

Career Interest(s): Asset Management, Private Wealth Management

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I hope to benefit from the REFA mentorship program by attaining the necessary knowledge and skills to have a successful career on Wall Street. Furthermore, I look forward to networking with REFA current members and established alumni to better prepare myself for my career path. By taking advantage of these opportunities, I will be able to further develop my understanding of finance and position myself up for future success. Most importantly, I hope to grow in all aspects of life through the REFA Mentorship Program. As a future mentor and alum, I hope to help future REFA students by offering them valuable guidance and personal expertise for many years to come.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

Since the start of my freshman year, I have been making weekly career perspective and informational interview calls to family, friends, and alumni to gain personal and professional expertise in the financial services industry. In addition to my relevant course work, I participate in Wall Street Prep crash courses to further enhance my education as a business student. Also, I devote time each day to research the markets, in order to stay up to date on various market trends. 

Harrison Moon

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Affairs

Career Interest(s): Investment Banking

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I have learned that having a strong network is easily one of your most valuable assets when recruiting from GW. REFA helps students in their first steps of developing just that, and throughout my process, I am determined to utilize every available resource the program offers. Just as alumni have helped me thus far, strengthening GW network and connecting with the future members of REFA is a service I would be happy to contribute to.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

In addition to a relevant major in finance, my passion outside of class has been a strong driving force behind my career pursuits. Involvement in the Finance and Investments Club is particularly helpful, as it provides space for me to expand my financial knowledge. Additionally, reading industry news, studying interview guides, and gaining work experience have often pushed me to want to learn more.

 

Carter Pew

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s):  Bachelor of Science in Finance with a Minor in Biology

Career Interest(s): Investment Banking, Financial Management, Biotechnology

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I hope to benefit from REFA through my collaboration with a group of like-minded individuals just as ambitious as myself. By working alongside my peers to develop my skillset and broaden my horizons I hope to be able to acquire the necessary skills to be successful in wherever my career takes me. Additionally, by taking advantage of the vast network of alumni and senior mentors I hope to learn more from those who have walked a similar path and apply their insight to my future endeavors.

To contribute to REFA I bring a unique perspective through my experience in the healthcare industry as a part of a biotechnology startup. Combined with my Minor in Biology I hope to bring about a less traditional aspect of finance and show how science and business can collaborate to be successful for all involved.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

After growing up in Portland, Oregon, I knew I needed a change of pace of DC was just that. After arriving at George Washington University I decided to rush a professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi and through that my passion for finance began to blossom. I had always been an analytical person but I was uncertain where I should apply my skills until I found finance. Through my time working as the CFO of a biotechnology startup and my work in a fundraising capacity for my fraternity I have prepared myself for a role in finance. Additionally, utilizing my connections that formed through my time at GW I have honed my interests and learned more about what a career in finance could mean to me.

Alyssa Shen

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics; Minor in Computer Science

Career Interest(s): Sales and Trading, Asset Management

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

Through REFA, I hope to be part of a finance-focused community surrounded by those who are committed to helping their peers while pursuing their own careers interests on Wall Street. With support from junior, senior, and alumni mentors in REFA, I will build a foundation of knowledge which prepares me for the rigorous recruitment process. As I gain more skills and experience through the program, I look forward to being able to give back by being a mentor, sharing my professional network, and offering valuable advice both while at GW and as an alumna.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

Upon arriving at The George Washington University, I searched for a career path that would combine my communication skills and my quantitative experiences. Joining Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity, I solidified my interest in finance and explored the various sectors of an investment bank early on in my college career. Through my membership in the fraternity, I was fortunate enough to expand my network and become involved in organizations such as George Washington Women in Business (GWWIB). I hope to utilize skills from my various academic, co-curricular, and internship experiences in pursuing a career in finance.

Nicolas Szpigiel

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: Elliott School of International Affairs, School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in International Affairs and Finance

Career Interest(s): Emerging Markets, Asset Management

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I intend to capitalize on REFA’s invaluable career and professional networks in addition to connecting with a diverse and intellectually motivated group of students. By assimilating and absorbing information from senior members and my ardent peers, I know that REFA’s influence will leave an indelible impression on me. I look forward to being in a position where I can help young, ambitious GW students interested in international affairs and finance. 

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

Pursuing a B.S. in International Affairs and Finance, joining the Finance and Investments Club as a first-year student, and constantly reading the news and keeping up with the markets, has allowed me to begin educating myself within a globally-oriented business philosophy.

Daniel Ventura

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date:  May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance; Minor in Psychology

Career Interest(s): Investment Banking, Wealth Management

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I hope to utilize the knowledge and experience of my REFA mentors to help me succeed in my future career. While schooling is important, I believe the most valuable skills come from experience in the real world. REFA offers an unmatched opportunity for me to network not only with alumni, but also with older peers who have been in my position before and are eager to offer their advice. I look forward to the day when I get to take on the role of mentor and get to pass on my wisdom and advice to future REFA members.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

After starting work at 14, it was suggested to me that I invest some of my earnings. Since buying my first couple of Amazon stocks, I have worked as much as my employers would let me, and I have invested most of my earnings. This early experience with the market propelled my interest in the field of Finance. By taking relevant classes and utilizing the wisdom of alumni and more experienced peers, I hope to build a successful career.

Christopher Wright

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): BBA, Finance and International business; Minor in Political Science

Career Interest(s): Asset Management and Wealth Management, Consulting, Financial Services

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I hope to benefit from REFA by becoming part of a network of experts in the financial world who can help me earn an internship and career in my field. Additionally, I hope to benefit by learning from my fellow mentees, mentors, and alumni who have previously been in my position. I plan to contribute by providing insight to my peer mentees and future mentees about my past experiences in finance.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

From a young age I have been trading stocks and bonds, and this sparked my interest in finance. More recently, I was fortunate enough to intern at a bank in their commercial banking department; it was there that I realized I wanted to work in a client-facing position, specifically building client portfolios.

Real Estate - Class of 2023

Cole Chernow

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Accountancy

Career Interest(s): Real Estate Development and Real Estate Investment

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I am excited to have the opportunity to grow my professional skills by taking advantage of all that REFA has to offer. Additionally, I am looking forward to learning valuable information from the experience of successful REFA Alumni. I plan to further refine my knowledge and skills of the industry while forming meaningful relationships with fellow REFA members and real estate professionals. Another important aspect of the REFA program is giving back to the GWSB community as well as the REFA community. I am excited to be in a position in which I can help future GW students who are equally as driven when it comes to learning about the real estate industry. 

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

My interest and passion for the real estate industry have helped me to constantly look for opportunities to grow and develop my professional skills. I am actively joining student organizations related to the real estate industry as well as staying current on market trends. Recently, I joined the Commercial Real Estate Network (CREN) and am seeking other similar opportunities. I look forward to more engagements that will advance my knowledge of the industry and prepare me for a career in real estate.

Ashika Chintalapati

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in Real Estate and Finance, Minor in Psychology

Career Interest(s): Real Estate Investment, Real Estate Brokerage

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

Through the REFA program, I hope to improve my networking abilities and expand my professional network with the help of my mentors. I am confident that I will be able to gain invaluable knowledge from the many accomplished alumni as well as learn about real world experiences as a student from the upperclassmen within the program. I look forward to learning about the various sectors within the Real Estate industry so that I can get a better idea of what career path I would like to pursue. In the future, I hope to serve as a peer mentor to the newer classes of the REFA program by offering all of the knowledge I gain during my time here. I look forward to working with newer students who are passionate and determined to pursue a career in Real Estate.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

My active involvement in GWSB has allowed me to get a better understanding of the business world which will help me pursue a career in Real Estate. By joining organizations such as Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity, I was able to greatly advance my professional development in a short amount of time during my freshman year. In addition, being a member of the Commercial Real Estate Network (CREN) has allowed me to gain exposure to that sector of Real Estate. A significant part of the Real Estate industry centers around building relationships and taking initiative which I have been able to do as a First Year Development Program mentor at GWSB. This role allows me to not only help other students develop a better understanding of the business world and important skills needed to succeed, but improve my own as well.

Julian Daszkal

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: Elliott School of International Affairs

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in International Affairs, Finance

Career Interest(s): Real Estate Finance, Financial Services, Corporate Law

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I hope to benefit from REFA by developing my technical and professional skills through learning from experienced individuals in the industry. Furthermore, I believe that working among a group of like-minded, aspiring peers creates a rich, cohesive environment that will help to establish myself within the real estate and financial services industries. The mentor/mentee dynamic within REFA is especially important, as both senior REFA mentors and alumni mentors both provide invaluable knowledge from two important perspectives. By engaging with peers and professionals alike, I hope to position myself for future success in order to then assume the mentor role for the next cohort of REFA mentees.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

Keeping a keen eye on market trends and major events, developing my technical skills both in and outside the classroom, as well as reaching out to alumni within the industry have all helped to prepare me for a future in real estate-relate fields. I have also worked on expanding my network and knowledge within student organizations such as Finance and Investments club (FIC), GW Socially Responsible Investment Fund (GW SRIF) as a REIT analyst, and GWU Credit Union Initiative (GWU CUI) as a development/finance analyst.

Kelton Estabrook

Class year: Class of 2023

School: College of Arts and Sciences

Graduation Date: May 2022

Degree and Concentrations(s): Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Minor in Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Career Interest(s): Real Estate Development, Corporate Real Estate

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

By joining the REFA Mentorship Program, I hope to formalize my study of Real Estate and carve out a career path of my own. As someone outside the school of business, in particular, the REFA program offers unique opportunities for me to push my professional and technical skills to new heights. Under the guidance of GW accomplished alumni and student networks, I hope to build lasting relationships throughout GW real estate community and beyond. In turn, I want to contribute back to the REFA mentorship program as an alumni mentor by providing future mentees with guidance and hopefully introduce new avenues and pathways in the real estate industry they may never have considered.

What action steps have you prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

I have taken a very “hands-on” approach in developing my knowledge base and preparing myself for a career in real estate. I have built up my knowledge and network across the industry by becoming a member of relevant school organizations such as the Commercial Real Estate Network (CREN) as well as by taking advantage of the Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis vast array of fascinating events and guest speakers. I have also looked beyond GW gates by taking part in the Young Real Estate Professionals of New York’s (YREPNY) summer workshop this past summer, and subsequently, interning for its founder. Staying up on market trends and reading a variety of industry news sources have been integral in expanding my view and making me aware of Real Estate innumerable aspects and businesses. Ultimately, however, it is by engaging with numerous industry professionals and mentors that I have not only gained the most insight but also the confidence to take my next steps in pursuing a career in real estate.

Aryanna Lyons

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and Minor in Sustainability

Career Interest(s): Real Estate Investment and Sustainable Real Estate Development

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

Through joining the REFA program, I hope to benefit by surrounding myself with like minded individuals who have a similar passion for real estate as well as develop fundamental intrapersonal and technical skills. I am eager to learn from alumni and receive meaningful feedback from my mentors and upper level seniors to further my personal career in the Real Estate industry. More importantly, I hope to contribute to the REFA Mentorship program by providing advice in addition to serving as a liaison between future mentees and the next step in their career.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

I have worked to expand my knowledge of Real Estate through joining clubs that pertain to the Real Estate industry. In addition to REFA, I am a member of GW Commercial Real Estate Network (CREN). I have also attended the events hosted by the GWSB Center for Commercial Real Estate and Urban Analysis (CREUA). Through pursuing a degree in Real Estate and Sustainability, I have developed skills to help me excel in the industry. By being a brother within a professional co-ed business fraternity (Delta Sigma Pi) I have also been introduced to the world of business through a wider lens.

Thea Maletta

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Finance with a concentration in Real Estate

Career Interests: Real Estate Investments and Acquisitions

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I hope to benefit from REFA professionally by working closely with an organization of equally motivated peers and mentors. As a mentee, I will take advantage of the opportunities REFA can offer by developing my networking, interviewing, and professional skills as well as gaining industry knowledge. It is important to me as well that I dedicate my time in this program to making sure I am forming strong relationship with mentors and peers alike who I can continue to communicate with long-term.

REFA has been instrumental in expanding the GWSB community and past members continue to keep strong ties to the program. Once a REFA alum, I fully intend to be a highly involved with the program and would like to align myself in some sort of position where I can be of help to the incoming REFA members.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career real estate or finance?

Attending GWSB has allowed for exciting opportunities to network with leading industry professionals and expand on my knowledge of Real Estate outside of the classroom as the school’s primary location allows you to explore downtown D.C. Upon arrival to school, I sought out relevant GW organizations that would cater to my interests. I am now a part of the Women in Finance Alliance and the Commercial Real Estate Network. Through joining these organizations, I have built on my passion for the business and Real Estate industry. This ultimately led me to expand my network and create relationships that will grow in the future, such as with a range of industry professionals, GWSB staff, and peers that I can reach out to as I build my career in real estate.

Joshua Robinson

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics; Concentrations: Finance, Real Estate

Career Interest(s): Commercial Real Estate Development, Financial Services

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

Example Answer: I hope to benefit from REFA by further developing my professional skills and network to propel my future career in business. I look to benefit from working alongside like-minded individuals who will push me to excel in every opportunity. I will contribute a diversity of thought by sharing my perspectives and experiences. I will also look to contribute a positive attitude and an ambitious spirit. I hope to develop new and meaningful relationships with my peers and the business professionals I will meet along this journey. Most importantly, I hope to benefit from the valuable lessons and teachings that will serve me in my professional career and life.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

Example Answer: Upon attending GW, I never knew the possibilities that a career in real estate could provide. I've always been fascinated the physical structure of buildings and the financing and politics it takes to enact these structures. Once I arrived at school, I noticed that I now had more opportunities to bring my interest in real estate to life. Organizations such as Commercial Real Estate Network and Black Business Leaders provide a wide range of opportunities that helped me obtain exposure in the field. Upon completing my freshman year at GW, I had the chance to intern with a Partnership for Southern Equity analyzing tax abatement strategies to lure potential commercial developers to Atlanta, GA.

Aidan Rowland

Class Year: Class of 2023

School: School of Business

Graduation Date: May 2023

Degree and Concentration(s): Bachelor of Science in Business, Real Estate, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Career Interest(s): Real Estate, Real Estate Development, Sustainability

How do you hope to benefit from and contribute to the REFA Mentorship Program?

I am excited to be a part of the REFA Program and to engage in all of the opportunities it has to offer. The legacy of the program is one of high performance and professionalism, both within the GWSB and in the professional world. I am excited to continue that legacy and to build upon it. I am looking forward to working alongside current members and alumni of the REFA Program to build my professional network and expand my knowledge of the Real Estate industry. I am eager to engage with my fellow mentees as we learn and push each other to expand our knowledge and professional presence.

What action steps have prepared you to pursue a career in real estate or finance?

Talking to professionals already established in the Real Estate field has been the most influential action I have taken to learn what the industry has to offer. In addition to engaging with professionals, reading about the current market climate, along with new development projects both in my home town and in the greater DC area have helped form the foundation that has prepared me to pursue a career in Real Estate. I am looking forward to engaging with professionals through the REFA Program, CREN, and even outside the GWSB community. Always being open to new opportunities and knowledge will continue to prepare me for a successful career in Real Estate.