Tina Nguyen, class of 2026, pursues success in the real estate industry through her education at the Fox School of Business. (Photo by Ahmed Alghamdi)
Growing up in Philadelphia, Tina Nguyen can still recall the moments from her childhood that shaped her higher educational pursuits.
“I was always fascinated by all the towering skyscrapers in the city and how they molded together to shape Philadelphia’s iconic skyline,” Nguyen says.
“As I grew up and traveled more, I loved the idea that different buildings in different cities throughout the country gave each location its uniqueness and character.”
This lasting appreciation for urban architecture helped Nguyen discover her passion for real estate. Now, at Temple University’s Fox School of Business, she can study it.
Housed in the department of finance, the Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate degree offers students the educational credentials necessary to find success within the real estate industry.
“From day one, I’ve found the major experience to focus heavily on setting you up for success.”
(Photo courtesy of Ahmed Alghamdi)
A 124-credit curriculum, specific programming within the major teaches students the fundamentals of the profession, including transactions, investments, laws and regulations, market analysis and property management. Specialized learning is also a focus within key subject areas of appraisal and valuation, asset and risk management, brokerage, corporate real estate optimization and marketing.
For students at the Fox School like Nguyen, class of 2026, the real estate major gives them the opportunity to chart their path to thrive within the field.
“I chose to pursue the real estate field because of my passion for the subject, but I chose to study it at Fox once I learned of how strong the real estate program is here,” Nguyen says.
Assistant professor David Wilk is director of the real estate program and oversees the major. He joined the department of finance at Fox in 2018, bringing with him decades of industry practitioner experience and teaching undergraduate and graduate real estate courses highlighting experiential learning.
“Ever since I was given the privilege to lead the real estate program at Fox, my greatest joy has been to see the success and growth that our students in the real estate program have achieved,” Wilk says.
“Being a part, let alone the leader, of TREO is so rewarding,” Nguyen says. “We offer members a chance to make connections and learn insights from top industry leaders—I believe the organization experience serves as a key aspect and benefit of being in the major.”
(Photo courtesy of Ahmed Alghamdi)
“In essence, we provide our students with a “value creation” based foundation and translatable skills and knowledge so they can “contribute on day one” in the real estate industry. We prepare them with experiential and practical knowledge that allows them to be successful in whichever real estate path they choose to follow.”
A cornerstone of student success in the major is centered on ensuring students gain tangible industry experience before graduation. This includes significant networking opportunities, internships, case competitions and academic challenges, being ready before graduation to sit for certain professional real estate exams and pursuing industry certifications that dovetail with the completion of their degrees.
“We are taught early on the importance of pursuing hands-on experiences and finding connections within the industry,” Nguyen says. “Thankfully, the department does a great job at guiding us to these, whether it be through networking events or internship opportunities.”
In the summer of 2024, Nguyen completed an integral corporate real estate internship with Vanguard GWx. She secured the opportunity from a connection she had made through the Temple Real Estate Organization (TREO) Student Professional Organization (SPO).
After first joining TREO as a member in her freshman year, she is proud to serve as the organization’s president today.
While Nguyen eyes a career in the commercial sector of the real estate industry beyond graduation, students in the major can pursue a wide range of industry paths.
“We are taught early on the importance of pursuing hands-on experiences and finding connections within the industry”
(Photo courtesy of Ahmed Alghamdi)
“One of the many great aspects of studying real estate to me is how many different sectors there are within the profession,” Wilk says. “You can pursue real estate sales and brokerage, construction, development, appraisal and valuation, planning, property management, real estate law, enterprise real estate optimization and marketing, just to name a few. The opportunities are immensely widespread.”
As the major continues its growth, Wilk credits student leaders like Nguyen for its continued success.
“Tina is true testament to the success of the real estate program here at Fox,” Wilk says.
“In addition to being a devoted student leader and representative within the major and TREO, we can already see that her effort, dedication, incredible attitude and determination will lead her to great achievements within the industry.”
No matter how far her real estate degree will take her, the Fox experience will always be a key part of her future success and career path.
“I’ve learned through my major experiences an even deeper appreciation for the real estate industry, and I can’t wait to utilize my degree within it,” Nguyen says. “Real estate is truly essential to everyone, and it’s exciting to be entering a field where I can pair that with my passions.
“On a personal note, the view from the tops of buildings remains to be one of my favorite sights. I’ll always be thankful to the Fox School for helping make that joyful experience part of my career pursuits.”
(Photo courtesy of Ryan S. Brandenburg)
