Felipe Ernst’s connection to Georgetown University runs deep. After graduating from the Master’s in Real Estate program, Ernst used the connections and skills he’d gained to become a real estate developer and investor and start his own company. He now teaches in the real estate program. With a father who is also a professor at Georgetown, Ernst has developed a deep passion for the school, its network, and its community.
For Ernst, the main strength of Georgetown’s Master’s in Real Estate program is the expert faculty.
“I’m a huge proponent of the program,” he said. “The faculty are not just teachers, but industry experts in their respective fields within the real estate industry.”
While the faculty may be his peers now, that wasn’t always the case. As he built his own company as a young man, he was a student in the program. During this time, the faculty were there to give him advice in his pursuit. “I was able to ask them specific questions about how to strategize and respond to things I was dealing with in the real estate business world,” Ernst said.
In addition to their expertise, the faculty in the master’s in real estate program make themselves available to students. “The relationships between student and professor were strong. Their doors were always open, and they wanted their students to benefit from their knowledge and connections,” Ernst said. “There is no gatekeeping here.” This type of faculty-student bond is a cornerstone of the real estate program. Students can expect to make connections and get real-world advice from experts.
As a faculty member now, Ernst derives great joy from teaching his students, many of whom end up working for him full-time. “I gain great satisfaction from seeing students take the network and relationships and utilize those in their investment endeavors. Many of my students end up purchasing first-time properties while in my class and with my guidance.” Because the program is built to be flexible, these types of investments and work opportunities are common.
The Master’s in Real Estate program at Georgetown utilizes case studies, so the material students learn applies to real-world situations. Throughout the program, students focus on global trends and topics to prepare them for worldwide business opportunities. Along with practical case studies, students often find opportunities through the people they meet along the way.
When Ernst was a student in the program, he found an apprenticeship opportunity through one of his classmates. “I learned all I could from that experience and now I’m a competitor to that company,” he said.
“A degree from Georgetown holds a lot of clout due to the long-standing great reputation the school enjoys,” Ernst said. His experience as both a student and a faculty member has given him a unique perspective on what the school and the real estate program have to offer. Through the strength of his connections and the practical nature of the curriculum, he’s achieved his goals and has the perspective he needs to work toward new ones.
Take Your Next Step in Real Estate
The Georgetown University Master’s in Real Estate program is the largest real estate program in the Washington, D.C., area. This program provides access to a broad network of partner organizations, facilitating opportunities for mentoring, internships, and additional resources to help our students and alumni build connections and pursue rewarding careers.
By studying in the real estate program, you’ll work with expert faculty who have real experience in the field. Coursework is flexible, allowing you to fit studying into your busy schedule. Upon graduation, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to pursue meaningful work in the real estate industry.
A Practical Education
Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher learning in the United States. With 11 schools, an affiliated hospital, and many highly ranked academic programs, Georgetown has grown to be a major international research university. Our students build the experience and confidence they need to be successful in their chosen fields.
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By earning your Master’s in Real Estate at Georgetown University, you can be on your way to a rewarding career.
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