Chapman University is breaking new ground in real estate education with its Navigating Challenging Real Estate Times course. The goal? To provide students with extensive real-world learning experiences led by distinguished industry professionals.
The program is co-taught by Alex Hayden, Chris Lowe and Steve Economos, the latter of which is the founder of Southern California commercial real estate firm Economos DeWolf, Inc. Together, they designed the course to provide students with realistic exposure to the complexities of the commercial real estate sector.
As part of Chapman’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and the skills needed in the workforce, the course takes students beyond the classroom and directly into the offices of top real estate firms. There, they meet with industry influencers who walk them through their career journeys and share insights into the challenges and opportunities they’ve encountered in real estate transactions.
“Students are learning theory, but perhaps more importantly, they’re engaging with professionals who offer a firsthand look at how deals are made and what it takes to succeed in this field,” said Alex Hayden. “This hands-on approach prepares them for the realities of the industry.”
The course covers topics like:
- Managing Market Fluctuations: Approaches to adjusting real estate strategies during times of economic uncertainty.
- Deal Structure and Negotiation: Key aspects of structuring and negotiating both small and large commercial real estate transactions.
- Risk Management: Techniques for identifying and addressing potential risks in development and leasing agreements.
This applied model addresses a significant issue in higher education: the disconnect between what is taught in classrooms and what is needed in the workplace.
Beyond technical instruction, Hayden emphasizes the course’s deeper value: “We’re demystifying the commercial real estate world for our students, breaking down perceived barriers, and helping them build meaningful relationships that often lead to mentorship, career guidance, and job placement.”
Research shows that 40% of recent graduates (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/01/11/survey-finds-recent-grads-emotionally-unprepared-work) feel unprepared for their first job, while employers increasingly seek candidates with hands-on experience. Programs like this one are helping to close that gap by giving students the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their careers.
By bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, Chapman aims to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers while playing a pivotal role in driving progress and shaping the future of industries such as commercial real estate.
“Steve and I have worked together for years, and I’m excited to partner again to create an opportunity that directly benefits students,” said Alex Hayden. “We don’t just want to prepare them for their first job. We want to set them up for life-long success.”
For more information about the market or to explore collaboration opportunities, please contact Economos DeWolf today at 949-576-2750.