Several UCLA students and alumni have shared their reasons for pursuing careers in real estate, highlighting the diverse motivations and experiences that led them to seek licensure in California. Their stories come as a result of a partnership between the UCLA Ziman Center for Real Estate and the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), which has created a clearer pathway for students to meet state licensing requirements.
Last November, an agreement was established allowing specific Ziman Center courses to fulfill California’s educational prerequisites for becoming a licensed real estate salesperson or broker. DRE Commissioner Chika Sunquist commented on this development: “I am thankful for the partnership between the UCLA Ziman Center for Real Estate and DRE, which helps remove barriers to licensure by providing UCLA students a clear path to become a salesperson or broker in California. We are happy to promote overall student success as they embark on their new career and encourage new generations into the real estate profession.”
Jolie N., an MBA candidate at UCLA Anderson School of Management from Los Angeles, explained her motivation: she wanted to connect her background in social services with practical knowledge about housing finance, development, and management. After obtaining her license, she found value in hands-on property experience and networking with professionals across various sectors. Her interest shifted toward affordable housing development after working with investors on multifamily properties.
Sumer P., an undergraduate business economics major from Modesto, noted that family involvement in real estate influenced his decision. He observed challenges related to housing stability within his community, prompting him to intern at a local firm where he gained exposure to property management and sales. At UCLA, Sumer joined the Bruin Real Estate Association and is currently interning at a private equity firm specializing in property acquisitions and asset management. He plans to use his future license to benefit communities similar to his own.
Andrew H., an MBA student from Washington, DC, expressed appreciation for the DRE-Ziman Center partnership: “I’m grateful for the recent partnership between the DRE and the Ziman Center, which allows several of our core courses to count toward California salesperson and broker licensing requirements.” He looks forward to applying classroom learning directly through client advising and transaction structuring.
Mark Y., another MBA student from Rancho Cucamonga who holds both salesperson and broker licenses, described real estate as an impactful field affecting how people live and interact. He emphasized that having these licenses has opened up more opportunities for him professionally.
Gyasi E., who graduated with a degree in history from UCLA in 2011, values gaining expertise in underwriting, deal evaluation, financing structures, and market cycles through work on multifamily financing. Building relationships with industry stakeholders is central to his ongoing career goals.
Nick P., also from Los Angeles and studying history at UCLA, aims for a long-term career in local real estate driven by ongoing opportunities he sees within his hometown.
The collaboration between educational institutions like UCLA’s Ziman Center and regulatory bodies such as DRE reflects efforts across California’s higher education sector to create more direct pathways into professional fields by aligning academic coursework with licensing requirements.
