Kayla Hare

MS in real estate development program wins NAIOP MD/DC Chapter’s 2022 Capital Challenge

Jennifer Anzaldi — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 15:45:22 +0000

MS in real estate development program wins NAIOP MD/DC Chapter’s 2022 Capital Challenge Jennifer Anzaldi Tue, 06/28/2022 - 11:45

NAIOP Victors

A team of students from ��ӽ紫ý School of Business’ master of science in real estate development (MRED) program recently won the NAIOP MD/DC Chapter’s 2022 Capital Challenge. This year’s win marks the program’s fifth victory in the Capitol Challenge in the last ten years.

NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading real estate organization across North America. Every year, the NAIOP DC|MS Chapter hosts the Capital Challenge, a competition in which teams of real estate students from universities in the Washington, D.C., area compete to create the best development plan for a challenging, real-world property. The teams must use both their creativity and analytical skills to assess and plan the project, balancing the property’s potential with financial feasibility. This year’s team triumphed against competition from three local schools.

Kat Grimsley, former director of the MRED program, believes the challenge provides a fantastic opportunity for students to apply and demonstrate their learning. “We are excited to participate in the Capital Challenge every year because the intensity [and] complexity of the projects creates a fantastic opportunity for our students to demonstrate and hone their skills,” says Grimsley. “I appreciate all the effort and dedication our team put into this victory! I’d also like to thank the team’s consultants for their support and NAIOP MD/DC for making the Challenge possible each year.”

The students who compete in the Capital Challenge are selected on a competitive basis from current MRED students. Faculty advisor Mark Hassinger provided guidance and support for the following team of Mason students:

Aimee Fogarty (Vice President at Hammes)
Thomas Forde (Director of Facility Space Planning at Children's National Hospital)
Matthew Koss (Project Manager at Davis Construction)
Monique Morales (Assistant Project Manager at Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc.)
Chassidy Reese (ARNG Risk Reduction/Substance Abuse Program Manager at the National Guard Bureau)
Kristin Ullman (Development Assistant at Peterson Companies)

According to Hassinger, Mason students have a history of demonstrating excellence in the competition: “It is an honor and pleasure to coach these very bright and dedicated real estate professionals/students. The participants (past and current) have taken [the] Challenge very seriously and have set a very high bar for each team. It is this created culture that allows Mason to field a very competitive team each and every year!”

For this year’s project, students were assigned two tasks: 1) Create an adaptive reuse plan for an existing vacant mall, and 2) Propose a redevelopment plan for the mall, with few restrictions. Mason students provided viable options for both tasks. The cornerstone of the winning solution was their plan for a dynamic, walkable, mixed-use community comprising rental and for-sale residential units, stores, restaurants, and other public features, which would maximize the property’s potential while remaining within the owner’s budget.

Tom Forde, one of the Mason students who competed, says the process was challenging but rewarding. “The NAIOP Capital Challenge gave our team the opportunity to test our analytical abilities in a real-world application; and to see how our proposal compared to the competition. It was an intense six weeks to go from problem statement to solution presentation, but the experience is real and rewarding. Our success is a testament to the leadership and guidance of our coaches and instructors, and to the power of networking, research, and critical thinking,” Forde says.

The team earned a $10,000 prize, as well as the coveted NAIOP trophy, which will be on display at the Mason Square Campus for the next year. The master’s in real estate development is a 36 credit, in-person program run out of the Mason Square (Arlington) Campus. The programs enrolls new students each Fall and Spring term.

Topics

Costello College of Business Students

Master's in Real Estate Development Program

Costello College of Business News

Technology Management Student Builds Virtual Community with Classmates

Jennifer Anzaldi — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:56:37 +0000

Technology Management Student Builds Virtual Community with Classmates Jennifer Anzaldi Tue, 06/07/2022 - 13:56

Rishi Vajpeyi

Due to the pandemic, virtual learning has helped the ��ӽ紫ý School of Business meet learners where they are. For some, the increased accessibility and convenience of the online format are difficult to resist. Others, however, have concerns about the perceived lack of engagement often associated with virtual learning. Does a virtual program still have a sense of community? Are professors still accessible? We spoke with Rishi Vajpeyi, a student in the ��ӽ紫ý School of Business’ online master's in technology management program (MSTM), about his experience.

Vajpeyi, Head of Public Sector Solutions at Medallia, started the MSTM in January 2021. However, when Vajpeyi initially considered the program classes were still being offered entirely in-person. While he did have some concerns about studying completely online, he conveyed that his “interactions with clients and acquaintances who have graduated from Mason showed [him] that the program provided quality education, insightful interactions and experiences, and a strong network.”

Vajpeyi says he was pleasantly surprised with the community built around the virtual synchronous format. He and his classmates developed a rapport online, which led to meetups at coffee shops and other local venues. For class, he set up two screens, one for course content and one a view of classmates and the professor. He believes this setup, and the fact that all of his classmates kept their cameras on, kept him more engaged than if he were sitting passively in an in-person classroom. Vajpeyi believes the MS in technology management lends itself particularly well to the online synchronous format, due to the nature of the classes and the accessibility of the professors.

According to Vajpeyi, virtual synchronous classes have benefits that some may not consider. He says he was able to earn his master’s while staying present with his family. The online format cut out the lengthy commute between Fairfax and Arlington, which meant he both saved time and was not subjected to the whims of traffic in the Washington, D.C., area.

Now graduated, Vajpeyi hopes to leverage his new degree into pursuing a senior leadership role in digital transformation and technology sales. The MSTM program has equipped him with the skills and capabilities to be successful in this pursuit. “This program has helped me grow both professionally and personally. Professionally, the experience has helped me use data to drive decisions, be a better leader, work effectively in a team, and turn mistakes into opportunities to learn. Personally, the program has expanded my network with people who have done remarkable things and succeeded in many ways.”

The master’s in technology management is a 36-credit program designed to help you further your technology leadership career and excel in today’s dynamic business environment. The program is offered entirely online, providing anywhere learning, same time engagement. Applications are accepted for both fall and spring semester starts.

Topics

Costello College of Business News

Costello College of Business Students

Master's in Technology Management Program

First Generation MSF Student Balances Active Duty and Remote Learning

Jennifer Anzaldi — Thu, 19 May 2022 16:53:22 +0000

First Generation MSF Student Balances Active Duty and Remote Learning Jennifer Anzaldi Thu, 05/19/2022 - 12:53

Innocent Adebiyi

Innocent Adebiyi has one of the more inspiring ��ӽ紫ý’s School of Business stories. A first-generation graduate student and a 2021 Virginia State University graduate, Adebiyi has been pursuing his master’s in finance (MSF) while also serving our country as an active-duty Logistics Officer and Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Active-Duty Component. Adebiyi will graduate this month.

When asked how he balances his many responsibilities, Adebiyi says the structure of the MSF and professors’ flexibility has been helpful. Classes are in the evening and he says “the faculty are always willing to meet” to ensure he completes the work for his program while also leading his 40-person National Guard unit.

Asked how the online program differs from in-person, Adebiyi offers “The transition from in person to online isn’t that different. I’m still doing the same math, coding, and statistics [that I would do in-person.] The online program still feels hands-on, and that’s a great feeling, especially since I’m on active duty and physically far away from Mason. It's a different format, for sure, but the overall experience isn’t that different.”

While balancing his responsibilities is a challenge, Adebiyi says the key is time management. He keeps track of classes, meetings, and military responsibilities, and makes time for homework and projects around his work and class commitments. “It’s a challenge, but it’s not bad,” Adebiyi says. “It’s all about managing your time.”

Adebiyi’s family is in his home country of Nigeria, and he cites family as a major motivation, pushing him to succeed. He is the first in his family to attend college or join the military, and they view Adebiyi as a hero. Knowing his family is proud helps maintain his forward momentum, even when his responsibilities are challenging.

When asked why he chose the MSF, Adebiyi says his due diligence on the job market and program helped him to realize his degree would be applicable to a wide variety of positions, particularly portfolio analysis. Coming straight from Virginia State, he felt the MSF gave him a better chance of securing a well-paying job than an MBA.

In terms of advice, Adebiyi acknowledges the challenging nature of his schedule, he believes others can follow in his footsteps, “It takes commitment and balance, but you can do it. Talk to your professors, let them know what’s going on. Use your resources. Don’t be scared to try.”

The master’s in finance is a 33-credit program designed to be completed in one or two years. The program, designed to meet the standards of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute's Candidate Body of Knowledge, is structured around the principles of financial knowledge, as well as advanced qualitative and programming skills.

Topics

Costello College of Business News

Costello College of Business Students

Master's in Finance Program

Commencement

Graduation

New Partnership Eases Transition to Grad School

Jennifer Anzaldi — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:40:22 +0000

New Partnership Eases Transition to Grad School Jennifer Anzaldi Wed, 03/16/2022 - 11:40

Matt Van Horn

The ��ӽ紫ý School of Business recently set up a unique admission partnership with the University of Virginia at Wise. The pathway offers students who graduate from UVA-Wise the ability to streamline their applications to the master’s in accounting, master’s in finance, and master’s in management (MSM).

The master’s in management is designed for non-business majors who seek a foundation in business management. Program benefits include access to world-class faculty, individual advising and lifelong career coaching. Over the course of 11 months, MSM students will earn a master’s in management, complete an internship (150 hours), and participate in a global residency.

"The MSM program provides a unique opportunity to combine the diverse perspectives of the non-business undergraduate degrees with the targeted foundation in both the theory and practical application of business in areas such as organizational behavior, economics, finance, marketing, and others," says Victoria M Grady, associate professor of organizational behavior and academic director of the MSM Program. "It is exciting to be part of such a dynamic program. We are thrilled to share integrated partnerships with schools such as UVA-Wise."

Matt Van Horn, a student in the (MSM) program, is the first student to come through this pathway to Mason. When asked why he chose the pathway, Van Horn says it was because of Mason’s reputation and the easy nature of the application process.

“I always knew I wanted to go to grad school, but the graduate application process can be overwhelming,” Van Horn says. “The UVA-Wise pathway was almost too good to be true. It was like a yellow brick road through all the confusion.”

According to Van Horn, the MSM program has benefits that may not be obvious initially. The business school’s Office of Career Services is a “true benefit,” he says, and the staff works closely to meet student wants and needs. He emphasizes the excellent networking opportunities with other professionals in the Washington, D.C., area.

When asked how the MSM helped him develop, Van Horn says he now has a more realistic idea of the scope of the business world and the skills he needs to continue developing to be successful. “It allowed me to take what I already knew from undergrad and build on it,” he says.

He added that the professors are friendly and want their students to succeed, which he considers a strength of the program. Van Horn’s advice for students who are considering a School of Business master’s program is to reach out to any of the staff or faculty for more information.

If you would like your college or university to benefit from a similar partnership or pathway, please contact Kevin Connor, associate director of graduate admission, strategic initiatives in the School of Business.

Topics

Costello College of Business News

Master's in Finance Program

Master's in Accounting Program

Master's in Management Program

Campus News

Graduate Education

Grad Students Find Center a Gateway for Entrepreneurial Success

Jennifer Anzaldi — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 19:14:52 +0000

Grad Students Find Center a Gateway for Entrepreneurial Success Jennifer Anzaldi Thu, 03/10/2022 - 14:14

The master’s of science in management (MSM) program in ��ӽ紫ý's School of Business strives to support students not only in their academic pursuits, but in reaching their real-world entrepreneurial goals. A close partnership with the School of Business’ Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) provides MSM students access to an organization intent on nurturing those with entrepreneurial and innovative aspirations, and leaders in the field like CIE Interim Director Rebecca Howick. During the fall semester, Howick spoke with MSM students about CIE and how to become an entrepreneur.

With both local and regional reach, the center offers a variety of opportunities for students and alumni at every stage of the entrepreneurial process—from those just developing an interest to those with projects in mind ready to push forward. Methods of support can range from visits to local businesses in the student’s desired industry, to funding opportunities. “The MSM program is fortunate to have the resources and influence of the center. The success of the center is based around an incredibly supportive approach to working with Mason students. The center works with student business ideas that range from robotic technology to home brewing,” says Victoria Grady, MSM program director.

Howick says it is a pleasure to speak with MS in management students and alumni about the opportunities and resources available to them through the center. “We have had MS in management students participate in our Student Venture Program internship over the past few years,” she says. “MSM students have limitless potential in the entrepreneurship field because they are great problem solvers, approach challenges with enthusiasm and provide a global perspective on business. The center team invites the MS in management community to get involved with our programming.” Howick advises those interested to keep an eye out this upcoming spring for internship and job opportunities with CIE.

Offering professional development experience to non-business majors, the MSM program enhances students’ professional management skills and business-related knowledge base. Students have the option of completing the 36-hour requirement in as little as 11 months. The program features a 7 to 10-day global residency in which students take part in real-world management projects. Applicants should be recent bachelor’s degree graduates with less than two years of professional experience.

Topics

Costello College of Business News

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Master's in Management Program

Student Spotlight: Lauren Lundberg

Marianne Klinker — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 16:55:12 +0000

Student Spotlight: Lauren Lundberg Marianne Klinker Wed, 02/23/2022 - 11:55

Learn more about Mason's MBA program

Lauren Lundberg

Lauren Lundberg, a deputy project manager for Northrop Grumman, spends her days overseeing a $30-million-dollar program for the Defense & Space based firm. We spoke to Lundberg, a ��ӽ紫ý School of Business MBA student on track to graduate in Spring 2022, and learned how her time at Mason pursuing an MBA helped put her on Northrop Grumman’s radar and prepared her for working in government contracting.

According to Lundberg, who worked in intelligence until November 2021, the MBA is the reason she was able to secure her current role. The combination of her prior experience in intelligence and her forthcoming MBA, flagged her in Northrop Grumman’s system, at which point representatives of the company reached out to her and offered her the position. “Without my MBA, I wouldn’t have this job,” Lundberg said.

In particular, Lundberg cites specific classes that have been very beneficial to her new job: “The concepts that I was learning in project management, including agile and work breakdown structure (WBS), are ones that I have been able to apply directly into my current role. This class has helped me to keep projects on time, on budget, and in scope. I can also diagnose issues quicker and fix them without bottlenecks or snowballing. Some of the tools, like MS Project and MS Access are what we use on a daily basis. I decided to take Advanced Project Management this spring. So far this class has helped me to see Project Management from the Enterprise level.”

When asked if she had any advice for current students, or those considering an MBA, she had a few things to say. First, she advises applying to jobs even if you aren’t sure you have the right qualifications, and not to be afraid of making industry changes and non-lateral moves. “I’m a huge proponent of education,” she added, “and making yourself more competitive with new programs and certificates. Now is the time of the employee; employees have the power right now. Don’t wait!”

The connection between Mason’s MBA and government contracting is especially strong—including a reduced accelerated application pathway for the MBA programs specific to organizations represented on the Center for Government Contracting’s Advisory Board.

“The industry and research centers, like the Center for Government Contracting, housed at the School of Business have been instrumental in allowing us to stay connected to current market needs,” says Ioannis Bellos, director of the MBA program. According to Jerry McGinn, executive director of the Center for Government Contracting, “The strong connections between the Center for Government Contracting and industry make this MBA partnership a natural way to help grow the GovCon workforce of the future.”

Learn more about Mason's MBA program

Topics

Costello College of Business News

MBA Program

Costello College of Business Graduate Programs

Costello College of Business Graduate Student Spotlight