The Blackwood Program in Real Estate recently hired Rachel Overbay as an Academic Advisor to join Lead Advisor Jenene Belcher. Overbay was formerly an English instructor at Radford University and looks forward to continuing her work in academia at Virginia Tech.

“I’m really passionate about working with students and being able to help them move through their academic careers,” Overbay said, “This position, being an advisor in real estate, connected a lot with me personally because my family has a strong background in this industry. I grew up with a lot of family members who worked in real estate and contracting and land development. It felt like a really great match, having a background in academics and a personal background with a lot of my family working in the industry.”

Overbay started over the summer and has worked with Belcher to advise students over Zoom for the 2022 Fall Semester. So far, she has advised students in Change of Major advising, hired Fall Student Ambassadors to represent the Blackwood Program in Real Estate, and has reviewed current Real Estate student’s progress towards their degrees to ensure they are on track to graduate.

“I’ve been familiarizing myself with all the resources available to students,” Overbay said, “I want to make sure that if a student approaches me or has questions and wants to get connected to different things on campus that I have that information and can relay that to them. There are so many opportunities here and I am still trying to get acquainted and learn everything to deliver that information to students. It's exciting that we have so much variety and a lot of opportunities.”

The Blackwood Program in Real Estate offers many different opportunities for real estate majors to become more prepared for the professional world. The Program offers trips to three different conferences where students can network with industry professionals, as well as a Real Estate Club and a mentorship program. Overbay and Belcher provide all this information to students, and more.

“I love hearing all of the amazing things that they have planned,” Overbay said, smiling, “The things that motivate them, and what brought them all from their different backgrounds to the same place. To see what all they are looking to achieve in their own lives and looking to be a part of that and help them as a stepping stone to get to their own goals — it’s really amazing.”

Academic advisors are one of the most valuable resources any college student can have. They help students lay out a plan to graduate and provide information about clubs and activities students might enjoy becoming involved with. Advisors can make a huge difference in a college student’s career, as one missing class could mean a student does not graduate. Advisors, like Overbay, are there for students to ensure a smooth path through the major.

“In a way, advisors are like teachers.” said Overbay, “We want to teach students how to find resources and make connections for themselves. From when they first come to college all the way through to their final year — and all throughout, giving them the tools they need to make those connections and build those relationships.”

Overbay left with some advice for her incoming students:

“Take advantage of all the opportunities and resources that are available to you. Talking with your advisors and talking with your instructors is such a huge help. If you do that and fully participate in the campus experience and take advantage of these opportunities — I think that you’re bound for success.”