When Bryce entered Virginia Tech as an undecided first-year student, it was the height of the pandemic. Campus life was subdued, with much of his time spent in dorms. To pass the time, Bryce frequently browsed Zillow, fascinated by the variety of homes, their designs, and the significant differences in pricing based on location. This newfound hobby sparked his interest in real estate. Upon discovering Blackwood at Virginia Tech, he knew he had found his calling and quickly declared his major.

One course during Bryce's time at Tech that stood out to him was Market Analysis, taught by Professor Jeffrey Robert. His dynamic teaching style and comprehensive knowledge made the class particularly engaging. About a year ago, Professor Robert reached out to offer Bryce a position as a teaching assistant (TA) for the same course. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to help teach a class that had such a significant impact on his education.

The skills and insights Bryce gained from the Market Analysis course were immediately applicable during a property management internship in Washington, DC. During his internship last summer as a property management intern for Legend Management Group, Bryce was tasked with analyzing two new construction projects, analyzing market differentiation and luxury amenities. Utilizing software like Esri and CoStar, he applied the market analysis techniques he learned in class. This hands-on experience was invaluable and reinforced his decision to pursue a career in property management. Soon, Bryce will be starting a new role with Hanover, focusing on leasing apartments and conducting market research.

One of the most rewarding experiences Blackwood provided Bryce with was the opportunity to engage with industry professionals through guest speakers and career events. Hearing from professionals about their roles and how they interconnected within the industry broadened his understanding and helped clarify his career goals.

To current and future students of Blackwood, Bryce emphasizes the importance of practicing and applying what you learn in classes. The knowledge and skills acquired in courses are directly applicable to real-world situations. Engaging actively in career fairs offers invaluable networking opportunities. If given the chance to become a TA, this is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of real estate and gain valuable teaching experience. This teaching experience helped him to enhance his communication skills, reinforce his understanding of key concepts, and develop his ability to explain complex issues and solutions to his future team.

Looking back, Bryce's journey with Blackwood was filled with learning, growth, and opportunities that have prepared him well for his career. He is excited to apply everything he learned as he embarks on the first chapter in his career, building on his experiences with Blackwood and the skills he gained have shaped his readiness for the future.