When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans, Branden Groseclose, a determined Virginia Tech student, found himself at a crossroads. Initially a music major, he soon realized that this was not the industry he saw himself entering. Exploring various fields, it was during his time in the business calculus class that the real estate math portion of the curriculum piqued his interest. This discovery led him to make a pivotal decision: to switch his major to real estate.

Among the various projects and assignments, he encountered during his time in Blackwood, the capstone studio class stood out as particularly rewarding. "It was extremely challenging," Branden admitted, "but I enjoyed the group setting and getting to know people I wouldn’t have met otherwise." The collaborative nature of the course, which spanned two semesters, offered a profound learning experience and lasting friendships. The studio class is a senior capstone class where students do a mock development project using a real-world site to bring together all that they have learned in the real estate courses.

An integral part of Branden’s journey was an internship at CoStar, secured through Handshake, a platform connecting students with potential employers. "CoStar is one of the top recruiters at Virginia Tech," he noted, making it easier to connect with them. The internship, filled with various presentations and tasks, closely mirrored what he would soon be doing in his new role. Upon graduation, Branden secured a position at CoStar as an Associate Research Consultant in Virginia.

Reflecting on his time at Virginia Tech, Branden looks forward to returning for football games, reconnecting with friends, and enjoying the vibrant campus life. Branden was a member of the Marching Virginians for four years and says he cannot wait to visit his old bandmates and band directors. Leaving behind many friends in Blacksburg will make for a sweet homecoming this fall.

For incoming Blackwood students, Branden’s advice is simple yet profound: "Have fun, but don’t go overboard. The real estate program can be tough, especially the studio class. Prepare well for it." His journey from a music major to a successful real estate professional exemplifies the importance of finding one's passion and the transformative power of education at Virginia Tech.