
My Journey with Cornell University: A Rewarding Experience
My 32-year career in the commercial real estate industry has been a success in large part due to a life-long pursuit of learning in both formal and informal settings. Moreover, my success is a testament to the power of education of all types to shape careers and broaden perspectives. Guided by this awareness, I have embarked on an exciting new chapter as a Course Facilitator in Cornell University’s esteemed eCornell online certificate program. This has afforded me an amazing opportunity to share my considerable commercial real estate knowledge with a fantastic group of students. Thus far, it has been a fulfilling experience that has added a new and enlightening dimension to my professional journey.
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching in the eCornell program has been connecting with a diverse collection of students. The participants come from around the globe and bring a variety of professional experiences, cultural perspectives, and personal ambitions to our virtual classroom. Ranging from seasoned industry veterans looking to refine their expertise to newcomers eager to enter the field, each student adds a unique dynamic to our interactive learning environment, including live weekly Zoom sessions.
I have drawn tremendous inspiration from the exchanges in our online discussion boards and live sessions. These conversations often reflect the real-world challenges and opportunities in commercial real estate, giving everyone, including me, an opportunity to learn and grow.
Facilitating courses has also deepened my understanding of commercial real estate and enhanced my ability to share my knowledge and experience with others. Explaining complex practices like asset management, development, property management, leasing, site selection, and market analysis, to name a few of the topics we have covered, requires technical knowledge and the ability to distill critical concepts into digestible insights. This process has challenged me to think critically while keeping a close eye on industry trends, illustrating the fact that teaching and learning go together.
Likewise, witnessing the “aha” moments when students grasp a difficult concept or share how they’ve applied what they’ve learned to their careers is incredibly gratifying. Knowing I’m contributing to their professional growth is humbling and motivating.
I chose to work with Cornell University’s eCornell platform because the courses are designed with practical application in mind, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This approach empowers me to provide insights and feedback with students drawn from over thirty years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. By sharing this practical knowledge, I can genuinely impact their professional practice and success.
In addition, the platform fosters an interactive and collaborative learning environment in a primarily asynchronous format (excepting only the scheduled live Zoom sessions – which are not mandatory), allowing students to access materials, watch recorded lecture videos, complete assignments, and participate in discussions on their own schedule. This affords students the flexibility to complete their coursework while maintaining balance with their work and life obligations. Along with absorbing the course material, students engage directly with each other, building networks with the potential to extend beyond the classroom. Observing these connections develop and flourish has been a tremendous privilege.
I look forward to continuing as a Course Facilitator for eCornell. It’s been gratifying, and the role perfectly aligns with my passion for commercial real estate and commitment to lifelong learning.
If you’re interested in expanding your education in commercial real estate (or any other), eCornell offers an exceptional opportunity to grow your knowledge, skills, and network. And if you happen to join one of my commercial real estate courses, I look forward to learning and growing alongside you!