On January 24th, 20 graduate students embarked on an exclusive Corporate Trek across Dallas, gaining firsthand insights into the region’s dynamic real estate industry. Organized by the SMU Folsom Institute for Real Estate, this immersive experience provided students with direct exposure to five leading firms, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their operations, workplace culture, and career opportunities.
The day-long event facilitated meaningful engagement between students and industry leaders through site visits, networking sessions, and in-depth discussions about market trends and professional pathways.
A day of learning and networking
The trek began bright and early at 8:00 AM, as students departed from SMU, eager to explore the real estate landscape of Dallas.
- ACORE Capital – The day kicked off with breakfast and an introduction to ACORE Capital’s investment strategies, providing students with insight into the world of commercial real estate finance.
- Greystar – A discussion on real estate development, property management, and investment management set the stage for an engaging session at one of the largest global real estate firms.
- CBRE – Over lunch, students gained valuable perspectives on the commercial real estate sector from CBRE, the world’s largest real estate services firm.
- Rosewood Property – This session provided a closer look at luxury real estate investments and property development, showcasing Rosewood’s commitment to creating world-class properties.
- Welltower – A deep dive into healthcare real estate investments highlighted Welltower’s strategic approach to senior housing and medical office properties.
- Happy Hour Reception – The day concluded with a relaxed networking reception at Welltower, allowing students to foster connections with industry professionals in an informal setting.
Bridging Academia and Industry
This Corporate Trek served as a powerful bridge between academic learning and real-world application, reinforcing SMU Cox’s commitment to experiential learning. By engaging with industry leaders, students gained a clearer understanding of potential career paths while expanding their professional networks.
A special thank you to ACORE Capital, Greystar, CBRE, Rosewood Property, and Welltower for their hospitality and for sharing their expertise. We look forward to more opportunities to connect our students with the thriving real estate industry in Dallas!
