Several UCLA students and alumni have shared their reasons for pursuing careers in real estate, highlighting a variety of motivations ranging from community impact to professional flexibility. This discussion comes after the recent partnership between the UCLA Ziman Center for Real Estate and the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), which established a direct path for students to earn a real estate license in California.
The agreement outlines how certain courses at the Ziman Center fulfill state educational requirements needed to become a licensed real estate salesperson or broker. DRE Commissioner Chika Sunquist commented on this collaboration: “I am thankful for the partnership between the UCLA Ziman Center for Real Estate and DRE, which helps remove barriers to licensure by providing UCLA students a clear path to become a salesperson or broker in California. We are happy to promote overall student success as they embark on their new career and encourage new generations into the real estate profession.”
UCLA Anderson School of Management MBA candidate Jolie N. explained her decision to enter real estate by connecting her background in social services with practical housing knowledge. She said that obtaining her license allowed her hands-on experience with properties, data analysis through MLS, and networking with various professionals such as lenders and insurance agents. Jolie described how she initially worked with residential buyers but later shifted focus toward affordable housing development.
Sumer P., an undergraduate business economics major from Modesto, cited family influence and local housing challenges as motivation. He gained early experience through an internship at a local firm and has continued his involvement at UCLA by joining student associations and interning at a private equity firm focused on property acquisitions.
Andrew H., another MBA candidate, expressed appreciation for the partnership between DRE and the Ziman Center: “I’m grateful for the recent partnership between the DRE and the Ziman Center, which allows several of our core courses to count toward California salesperson and broker licensing requirements.” He emphasized applying classroom learning directly to deal modeling, client representation, market research, negotiation, and regulatory compliance.
Mark Y., also from UCLA Anderson, highlighted real estate’s broad impact on communities as his primary reason for entering the field. With both salesperson and broker licenses, he values career versatility and intends to work in commercial real estate private equity.
Alumnus Gyasi E., who works in multifamily financing, pointed out that expertise in underwriting deals is crucial. His future plans involve investing in multifamily assets while maintaining his role on the financing side of transactions.
Nick P., an undergraduate history major from Los Angeles, aims for a long-term career locally due to ongoing opportunities within Los Angeles’ dynamic market.
These stories reflect diverse backgrounds but share common themes of professional growth opportunities provided by accessible licensing pathways such as those created through collaborations like that between UCLA’s Ziman Center and DRE.
