Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the Blackwood Department of Real Estate’s curriculum. Through these hands-on opportunities, students gain real-world experience, connect with industry professionals, and gain an inside look at the commercial real estate sector.

In late October, Areeba Abdul Aziz, Marrissa Edwards, Kory Hummer, and Aaron Spitz joined Assistant Professor of Practice Jonathan Everett in New York City to participate in CRETech.

"Being able to bring students to nationally recognized industry conferences to engage with alumni, industry professionals, and vendors speaks to our department’s commitment to experiential learning," said Everett. "Students are exposed to cutting-edge ideas and industry leaders in a very memorable and meaningful way."

After returning to Blacksburg, two students reflected on their experiences in blog posts. Read below to see how each described their time in the Big Apple.

stitch image of the trip with guest speakers on a stage on the left and NYC on the right
Photos of the trip form the the student's perspective

Areeba Abdul Aziz, a senior majoring in real estate and smart & sustainable cities

"Going to CREtech New York was such an eye-opening experience! It brought together people from all corners of the real estate world who are passionate about how technology is changing the industry. As a student studying Real Estate and Smart & Sustainable Cities at Virginia Tech, it was really cool to see the concepts I learn in class, like data analytics and sustainability, come to life through real projects and innovations.

One of my favorite parts was hearing from speakers who talked about using tech to track carbon emissions and make buildings more energy efficient. It showed me how sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s becoming a core part of how companies operate and invest.

Outside the sessions, I loved meeting professionals from firms and connecting with VT alumni who now work in the city. Everyone was so open to sharing their career journeys and advice. Plus, being in New York added an extra layer of excitement. I left feeling inspired about how tech can make real estate more sustainable, efficient, and connected." 

stitch image of the trip with downtown NYC on the left and the Wall Street bull on the right
Photos of the trip form the the student's perspective

Aaron Spitz, a senior majoring in finance and commercial real estate

"In October, I had an amazing experience traveling to New York City with the Blackwood Department of Real Estate at Virginia Tech to attend the CREtech Conference, a two-day event focused on new ideas and technology shaping the future of commercial real estate. The conference brought together companies, startups, and industry leaders who are finding creative ways to use AI and digital tools to improve how real estate is developed, managed, and marketed.

One of the most notable takeaways for me was learning how emerging companies are using large language models as the foundation of their platforms. These LLMs, such as OpenAI and others, are creating private, secure “sandboxes” that allow clients to leverage AI insights without exposing sensitive data. It was exciting to see how this technology is being used to streamline market analysis, automate workflows, and improve decision-making across the industry.

A personal highlight of the trip was having dinner at Chelsea Market with several Virginia Tech alumni who now work in different areas of commercial real estate. Hearing their stories, career paths, and advice gave me a deeper understanding of the many directions a real estate degree can take. Overall, the trip was both inspiring and educational, deepening my passion for innovation within commercial real estate."