Coastal Carolina University’s Commercial and Investment Real Estate Minor Opens the Door to Lucrative Opportunities

Conway, SC--Students enrolled in Coastal Carolina University’s Commercial and Investment Real Estate Minor are learning real-world skills that are not only enhancing the classroom experience, but preparing them for successful careers in one of today’s most lucrative fields.

Per Rob Salvino, research economist and associate professor at CCU, “The Commercial and Investment Real Estate Minor is designed for students who want to further their career prospects and open opportunities in fields such as construction, property management, project management, town and country planning, environmental assessment, appraisal, valuation, investment analysis, sustainability, infrastructure, public/private partnerships and many others.  “This is a multi-discipline program covering all aspects of land, building and finance,” he said.

Although the Commercial and Investment Real Estate Minor was just introduced in 2016, it is already meeting with great success. 

“Some of the biggest advantages are the opportunities that our students are exposed to outside the classroom.  As an example, our students are researching, as a case study, the potential redevelopment of the Georgetown Steel plant. This not only gives them the opportunity to put classroom learning to work, but exposes them to organizations like the Urban Land Institute which spearheaded the original study,” he said.

“Another example is The CCU Real Estate Club which introduces students to local professionals and leaders in the field of commercial and investment real estate. These introductions often lead to internships and open the door for possible employment,” Salvino continued.

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages afforded students who pursue careers in commercial and investment real estate is Coastal Carolina University’s association with the Grant Center for Real Estate and Economic Development, of which Salvino serves as Associate Director.

The center was launched in January 2016 through a major gift from Tony and Carrie Grant of Murrells Inlet. Located in the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration on the CCU campus, it serves as an information hub for real estate and economic data.

In addition to conducting and publishing research on real estate and economic trends, the center hosts a variety of related events and serves as a bridge between Coastal Carolina University and the community.  

“Very few programs, even in larger institutions, offer students such a wide variety of experiences. There is nothing like classroom learning enhanced by real-world experiences. Just ask any employer,” Salvino said.