Warren Hamilton, Finance Major, University of Oklahoma

“Our success was not the result of a single game; it came from six years of preparation, consistency, and accountability across the entire program”

You won a 6A state championship through a demanding basketball program. How has that competitive drive and structure translated into the way you approach your work and professional development today?

Lake Highlands basketball played a major role in shaping who I am today. Being part of a program of that caliber taught me early how much discipline success requires. The early mornings, high expectations, and attention to detail demanded by Coach Joe Duffield and his staff left a lasting impact on my outlook. Even when a season ended in disappointment, we were back in the gym the next day working toward the next goal. There were days I questioned whether the work was worth it, but those experiences led to one of my greatest accomplishments: winning a 6A state championship. Winning that championship taught me to value the process.

Success was not the result of a single game; it came from six years of preparation, consistency, and accountability across the entire program. The experience also taught me humility. No matter how well we were playing, there was always another standard to meet and another way to improve. That mindset of staying hungry and focusing on the next challenge has stayed with me well beyond basketball. Those lessons translate directly into how I approach my internship today. I strive to bring the same discipline, accountability, and attention to detail that the program expected of me.

A friend sent you the NAI Red CRE internship application. How important is cultural fit when you evaluate opportunities, and how does your personality translate into a professional real estate environment?

Cultural fit plays a significant role in any opportunity I pursue, and, in the decisions, I make throughout my career. One of the things I value most is the relationships I build with the people around me. I believe it is important to work in an environment where I can be myself and feel supported by those around me through both successes and challenges.

When I walk into a workplace and feel welcomed and valued, I do not take it for granted. That sense of connection and support allows me to perform at my best. I also believe my personality translates well into a professional real estate environment. I bring a high level of energy, enjoy building relationships, and genuinely love interacting with people.

In just a few weeks at NAI RED, I have had the opportunity to form strong relationships with several team members who have already made a lasting impact on me. I am incredibly grateful for their mentorship and friendship, and I look forward to continuing to learn from them as I grow both personally and professionally.

How did the weekly presentations and teamwork in your Venture Capital finance class shape how you show up in interviews and professional settings today?

My Venture Capital Finance class this past semester played a giant role in my professional development. Before taking that course, I was honestly intimidated by public speaking and worried about answering questions incorrectly. Through daily class participation and weekly presentations, I was able to overcome those fears and become much more comfortable speaking in front of others.

I also have to give a great deal of credit to my professor, Jared Stanfield. He consistently created an environment where it was okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Even when I answered a question incorrectly or stumbled during a presentation, he was always supportive and encouraging, which meant a lot to me and helped build my confidence throughout the semester.

As a result, I now feel much more comfortable walking into interviews and speaking in front of groups. I am incredibly thankful for the experience and the impact it has had on my personal and professional growth.

How has your experience with NAI RED and the Real Estate Club influenced your understanding of the real estate industry and where you see yourself fitting into it?

My experience with NAI RED and the Real Estate Club has taught me almost everything I know about the real estate industry. Through both, I’ve been able to learn from some extremely smart and experienced professionals that show me what it looks like to have success.

My internship has helped to show me where I could fit in in this industry. While I don’t know specifically what sector of real estate I’d like to pursue professionally yet, I have had the opportunity to get a taste of everything through supportive mentors. I am super pumped for the rest of the summer so I can keep learning and get my professional career started.