Kirsten Smith, Assistant Director, TCU Center for Real Estate

"It is exciting to be at a university in one of the most dynamic economic metroplexes in the nation!"

You've had an extensive career spanning over 20 years in the Real Estate industry. What initially drew you to this field, especially starting at such a young age within your family's development company?

I grew up in real estate development and fell in love with all the “possibility” within real estate early. My Dad and I would spend our weekends out looking at land, visiting projects and different retail centers. It was amazing to see projects transform from the ground-up.

How have your corporate and academic roles complemented your life and business coaching?

I absolutely love the complement of melding my corporate career with my academic role. I have a true respect for the industry and to be able to share that with students is priceless. Sharing my love and passion with a whole new generation is not only exciting but also rewarding. There are endless possibilities for different career paths so that can lead to a very diverse class. I had a student come in one day to talk about a career in real estate. He asked, “I am thinking of a career in real estate. Can you tell me about a day in the life of someone who does real estate?” I laughed and said, “How much time do you have?” Joking aside, I love that the students are interested in everything from AI, to brokerage, to capital markets, to marketing, to development, to specific industry disciplines, etc. We have students from around the country and internationally. What they take with them can change communities! It is inspiring to be able to work with them!

You're deeply involved in shaping the future of real estate education. How do you see the industry evolving, and what skills do you believe are crucial for future professionals?

I believe students need to be competent in problem solving. They need to have a well-rounded educational experience that ranges from finance, marketing, principles, case studies, valuations, planning, real estate law, industry speaker exposure, pro-fromas, etc. They need to feel confident as they start their internships and more importantly their first jobs after graduation. It is exciting to be at a university in one of the most dynamic economic metroplexes in the nation!

Could you share some insights into the Real Estate Mentorship Program at TCU? How does this program enhance students' professional networks and career pathways? What makes it unique?

The mentorship program strives to put students together with an industry professional to not only enhance their professional network but to also give that student a look into the professional world that they may choose to enter. This is safe place to learn, to ask questions and create a friendship that can last for a very long time. It is one of the highlights of the year for the kids.

Networking and community are essential components of the TCU Center for Real Estate's mission. Could you tell us more about the networking opportunities and experiential learning initiatives that you provide for students through the various real estate events hosted throughout the year? Can you highlight some of these events and their significance for students and industry professionals alike?

The TCU Center for Real Estate Board of Advisors is incredible for our students. The Board wants to be involved with our students thus they are invited to attend all of our Board Meetings! This is a true highlight. Our students get to hear real world industry issues and different ways that companies are managing through them. We also have invited our Board Members to speak in our new Commercial Real Estate Class. Here we lecture one day a week and we have an industry speaker come in the other. This has been a huge success and as noted by some of the students that just took the class – “The best class they have taken at TCU!” You cannot beat real industry discussion!

Additionally, how can interested companies get involved or participate in these events?

If anyone is interested in learning more about the TCU Center for Real Estate Board of Advisors, please just reach out to me. I am happy to meet with anyone to answer their questions. We now have over 100+ Board of Advisors.

Could you share a particularly memorable success story from your work with TCU, where you witnessed significant growth and achievement in one of your students?

I have the greatest job! I get to be part of wonderful moments on a daily basis! I love it when the light goes on for a student in class. I love it when a student gets that coveted internship or job. I love it when I see a student go the extra mile for a presentation because they enjoyed doing it. I love it when I hear great questions in class. I love it when the students come up after class to talk to our speakers to get even more out of the opportunity. I love that our students are so responsive to our program and our Board Members! There isn’t just one success story. It is a win-win job on a daily basis!