<p><span class="p-body">Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Zainab Aregbe's love for real estate was sparked at an early age while spending time on construction sites with her father. &quot;I loved watching the entire process from sourcing the land to negotiating deals and completing the projects,&quot; she recalls. While she initially didn't see real estate as a field for women, the industry eventually found her, and she is now pursuing her <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-real-estate.html" target="_blank">MS in Real Estate</a> at NYU.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Aregbe is passionate about cities, fascinated by how they come to life and foster connections among people. Outside of her studies, she enjoys traveling, exploring new experiences, and spending time with her favorite animals—horses. We were inspired by Aregbe's story, and we couldn't wait to catch up with her to see how the program is going so far.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Aregbe&nbsp;was drawn to NYU for its reputation and prime location in New York City, one of the world's largest real estate hubs.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Aregbe&nbsp;describes her time at NYU as life-changing. &quot;I'm constantly growing, not just professionally but personally too,&quot; she says. While challenging, the experience has been rewarding, and she has built meaningful relationships with peers who share her passion for real estate and life. The hands-on opportunities at NYU have played a key role in her development as well.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">One particularly transformative project came from her <i>Development Process</i> class, where students were tasked with selecting a site, envisioning a development, and deciding whether to invest. Aregbe&nbsp;chose a site in her home country of Nigeria, and after months of research and financial analysis, she concluded it was worth the investment. Unexpectedly, her class project turned into a potential real-world development opportunity when the site's owner reached out to collaborate on a joint venture.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Aregbe's experience at NYU has prepared her for the ever-evolving real estate industry by providing both leadership opportunities and practical experience. Through her involvement with student-led organizations like the NYU Urban Lab and the Real Estate Institute Student Association (REISA), she is building up her real estate savvy with real-world challenges. &quot;I've focused on research on impact real estate development and inclusive growth in cities,&quot; she explains, emphasizing how this hands-on learning has equipped her to think ahead in an industry that's rapidly changing.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Additionally, Aregbe&nbsp;values the real-world investment strategies she's gained from the REIT Fund, where students make financial decisions that mirror real estate market impacts. She is excited to continue exploring NYU's Real World classes, where students solve challenges posed by industry executives and developers.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Aregbe&nbsp;credits much of her growth to the mentorship she has received, particularly from her mentor and friend, Ana Tracey. &quot;She's pushed me to think beyond limitations and aim higher,&quot; Aregbe&nbsp;says. The value of this guidance and support cannot be understated. Her professors, too, have had a significant impact on her journey, offering support and encouragement both in and out of the classroom. Professors like Stephanie Wright and Matthew Kwatinetz have gone above and beyond to empower her as a future leader in the field.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">For new NYU SPS students, Aregbe&nbsp;advises taking full advantage of the abundant opportunities available. &quot;Don't underestimate the value of building relationships with your professors,&quot; she stresses. She also encourages students to nurture their relationships with classmates, as they form the foundation of their future networks in the industry. &quot;The community you build here will shape not just your time at NYU but your entire career,&quot; Aregbe&nbsp;concludes.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Learn from leading practitioners with decades of experience when you place yourself at the center of it all in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-real-estate.html" target="_blank">MS in Real Estate</a> program at NYU SPS.</span></p>