May 16, 2022

Schack Institute Spotlight: Graduating Student Series - Olivia Epstein

Olivia Epstein is a graduating student in the MS in the Construction Management program at the NYU SPS Schack Institute of Real Estate. She earned her degree while holding a full-time job at an NYC high-end design-build firm, and she was recently honored with a Schack Academic Excellence Award. Here, Olivia talks about her NYU experience.

What has been your favorite Schack Institute of Real Estate Experience?
My favorite experience was being able to visit the 520 5th Avenue job site with my Capstone class a few weeks ago. Since much of my time at NYU SPS was virtual, it was very interesting and helpful to be able to physically visit a job site and see what was happening while also learning about it in class.

Looking back on your time at Schack, of what are you most proud?
I am most proud of being able to maintain a high GPA as a full-time student while also working a full-time job. It has not been easy! I am honored to receive the Schack Academic Excellence Award.

What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was the Capstone with Professor Lambeck! Despite the massive workload and intensity of the class, I loved being able to take everything I’ve learned throughout the last two years and apply it all to my final project. For example, I used what I learned about logistics plans from Professor Martinson’s “Construction Management Process” class and applied it to the Capstone project, where I was required to create a logistics plan. Similarly, in Professor Parrish’s “Construction Safety Management” class, I learned about potential risks and Chapter 33 of the NYC Code, which I often referred to throughout the project. Lastly, Professor Frontino’s “Construction Scheduling” class taught me about logic and durations, which helped me create my two-year project schedule.

What is something you wish you had known when you started the Schack Institute?
Nothing! I entered this program without an ounce of construction knowledge, only that I knew I loved construction projects and real estate. I wasn’t even working in the industry yet when I started. I’ve learned so much in the last two years, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

What are your plans for after graduation?
I currently work at The Renovated Home, a high-end design-build firm in NYC where we focus on residential apartment renovations. I really love what I do and see myself here for a while.


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