Career Mentor Program
The Career Mentor Program is an excellent opportunity for our Zell/Lurie Real Estate Center members and our real estate students to interact. In this program, we pair real estate majors with industry leaders who offer insights gained from their professional experience.The students face unique challenges and greatly benefit from the assistance of career mentors who counsel them on what it means and what it takes to be a real estate professional.
What our students say...
"Having a mentor has allowed me to keep my finger on the pulse of the real estate industry and markets, because, as
students, we are somewhat removed from the real working world. My mentor has served as both a guide and an advocate,
helping me navigate through networking and recruitment in a way that only someone who has invested time in getting to
know you can. I view my relationship with my mentor as one of the most formative relationships I have developed during
my time at Wharton."
Amina Belouizdad, Wharton MBA Candidate 2013
"The Zell-Lurie Center's Mentorship Program is truly an extraordinary resource and a critical component of Wharton's
unique real estate program. Having been part of the program since my freshman year, I have had the distinct pleasure
of interacting with professionals of varied backgrounds, all of whom have been exceedingly generous with their time
and willingness to share networks and advice. Regular interactions with my mentors have helped me develop a strong
understanding of the real estate industry from some of the industry's leading professionals, which has been invaluable
in my professional as well as academic endeavors."
Sebastian Rossavik, Wharton Undergraduate, 2013
"This experience was one of the most valuable and productive parts of earning my degree, starting with the right
selection—my mentors were in exactly the field and location that I was most interested in. My close interaction
with them helped me solidify my decision to go into real estate and I frequently speak to them for advice about
career opportunities. This program is a must for any student interested in real estate. It was so rewarding and I
hope to eventually be able to give back as much as I gained."
Perry Leon, Wharton Undergraduate, 2012
"The Zell/Lurie Career Mentor Program is one of the best resources offered by Wharton to its students. It has been
a perfect complement to my academic experience. I cannot be more grateful to my wonderful mentor. He was generous
with his time and with his contacts... After I decided to accept a summer internship job offer, he advised
that I should also look for a shorter complementary summer internship. He contacted me with a real estate private
equity shop in Mexico City and I got a four-week job offer. Bottom line [my mentor] is an example of the success of
the Zell/Lurie mentorship program."
Jorge Margain, MBA, 2007
"My mentor went above and beyond the call of duty. In our first meeting, he spent five hours with me, walking me through
his properties and advising me about my choices and how they might influence my career. He also helped the Real Estate
Club by giving New York City Trek attendees a tour of the Chelsea Market and its most prestigious tenants! He has opened
many doors for me, and I am confident that we'll maintain a relationship long beyond my years at Wharton."
Cristina J. Martin, MBA, 2007
What our members say...
"Zell/Lurie's mentor program is a structured way to connect students with industry leaders. It gives everyone involved an early opportunity to scout out both job prospects and candidates. Perhaps more important, the mentor/mentee relationship helps students think through their career plans with the benefit of both industry knowledge and career perspective. Linking the program with the fall members' meeting makes it possible for participants to meet in person and get a meaningful head-start." Jeffrey A. Barclay, Managing Director, Goldman, Sachs & Co.
"Through the Career Mentor program at the Zell/Lurie Center, mentors guide the next generation of leaders in real estate, meanwhile
refreshing our own enthusiasm for the field. This immediate contact with students keeps us directly involved in shaping the future of the
industry, lending an entirely new dimension to our professional involvement and development."
Neil Rubler, President and CEO, Vantage Properties, LLC
"Members and students profit from this program. Students are able to interact with seasoned professionals without the pressure of the
interview process. This allows for a more open flow of information helping the Mentor to learn about what is going through the minds
of the students. Executed well, the program is a 'win-win' for both sides."
Michelle Felman, Vornado Realty Trust
To become a Career Mentor or to find out more about our programs, please email Janice Leberman or call 215-898-3824.
