Caitlin McCain

Current Ambassador Position/Program: Student Ambassador for M.S. in Real Estate Program

Program (Full-Time, Part-Time): Part-Time

Concentration/Area of Emphasis: Real Estate Development and Finance

Current Employer Outside Belk College: T.B. Harris Jr. & Associates

Position: Commercial Real Estate Appraiser

Anticipated Graduation: Summer 2021

Undergraduate Institution and Degree: Virginia Tech (Double major in Real Estate and Property Management)

Favorite Place in Charlotte: Common Market

Hometown: Salisbury, MD

Dream Job: Anything related to Commercial Real Estate Appraisal!

 

2021
"The classes provide exposure to many aspects of the industry and the program is very accommodating for students who are working full-time jobs."

​What degree are you pursuing and why?

I am pursuing a M.S. in Real Estate because of the additional education and the opportunities it can provide for my career.  This program will allow me to sharpen skills and learn about new areas of the industry that I am not currently familiar with.

​Why did you choose the Belk College of Business over others?

I chose the Belk College of Business over others because it is one of the few schools that offer a program specific for professionals working in the real estate industry. The classes provide exposure to many aspects of the industry and the program is very accommodating for students who are working full-time jobs.

​If you are currently working outside Belk College, tell us about your job. What lessons have you learned in your courses that you were able to apply on the job? 

I am currently a Commercial Real Estate Appraiser at a small firm here in Charlotte, T.B. Harris Jr. & Associates. We appraise all types of commercial real estate for governments, financial institutions, and private clients. Classes focusing on real estate development enlighten items that I now know to look for or consider when I am out on inspections for my job and when I am developing a highest and best use analysis.

​What can you share about your experience so far being an Ambassador, and what do you hope to accomplish this year in your role?

This is my first year being an Ambassador, but I hope I am able to help guide students who are considering joining the program and be a resource for students as they enter the program. I had a lot of guidance from an alumni of the program who provided a lot of great advice and help through the application process and as I prepared to start classes. I would love to be able to provide a similar experience to new students.

What has been the best part of your academic experience so far?

The best part of my academic experience in the MSRE program so far has been meeting my classmates and professors. The industry experience level within the program is very diverse and I have enjoyed meeting students who have just graduated from undergraduate programs as well as individuals who have been working in the industry for years.

​How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone considering a master’s program?

Most of the classes and events are conveniently held at times for students who are also working full-time jobs. There are also plenty of networking opportunities, speaker events, and career counseling available depending on what areas students are hoping to improve on. It is completely up to the students to make the experience what they want it to be.

Anything else you want to share that may help readers learn about Belk College graduate programs?

I have only been in the MSRE program for a few weeks, but I have already experienced that professors and other faculty members are available any time to help answer questions and make the experience the best possible for the students.