It’s a common phrase for any business professional: “To be the best, you have to learn from the best.” But having access to or making connections with leaders in the real estate industry is harder than it seems—especially in the fast-paced, highly competitive New York markets.
That’s why Yeshiva University has worked hard to ensure that our Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) students not only have the opportunity to connect with real estate experts, but also to learn and receive advice directly from them. With the Mitzner MSRE Advisory Board, we’re breaking down the typical barriers between up-and-coming real estate professionals and C-suite executives to help our students share ideas, establish relationships, and receive valuable expert feedback.
What is the MSRE Advisory Board?
The Mitzner MSRE Advisory Board is a cornerstone of the Online MS degree in Real Estate from Yeshiva Sy Syms School of Business. The board consists of four industry leaders who provide active oversight of the planning, content, and impact of the program, including one-on-one guidance and evaluations throughout the entire course.
Together, the board contributes decades of C-suite professional expertise across all commercial real estate property types, all forms of financing and workouts, and all stages of development, from concept to development, lease-up, and exit. Their experiences span real-estate development, law, finance, and media, which in turn provides a unique, comprehensive resource to Yeshiva University and its students.
Who’s on the Board?
The Mitzner MSRE Advisory Board members are:
- Ira Mitzner (Co-Chair),* President, RIDA Development Corporation
- Phil Rosen (Co-Chair),* Co-Head of Real Estate practice and Infrastructure practice, Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP
- Joshua Muss,* Principal, Muss Development, LLC
- Michael Stoler, President and CEO, New York Real Estate TV, LLC, The Stoler Report
The initial Advisory Board included Ira Mitzner, Philip Rosen, and Joshua Muss. They were soon joined by Michael Stoler, one of the most connected people in the industry and the host of a TV show called “Building New York.” Mr. Mitzner then contributed a naming donation to the degree, officially making it the Mitzner MS in Real Estate.
All four advisors have contributed curricular guidance, connected the program with other key players, and positively impacted hundreds of students. In addition, Mr. Rosen and Mr. Stoler pioneered and are currently teaching a new course, “Titans of Real Estate” (aka Real Estate Executive Seminar Series). Each week, a new “titan” speaks with the students about their career choices, how they built their expertise, how they bring deals together, and their take on the current dynamics in the real-estate market.
What Does the Advisory Board Do?
To make sure Yeshiva and the Sy Syms MSRE graduate program continue to offer a high-caliber educational experience, the board meets quarterly to review the curriculum, suggest enhancements or adjustments to the program (e.g., how COVID-19 would affect the courses), and tap other industry experts to be guest speakers in the Titans series.
Together, they build a portfolio of professional opportunities and focus their teaching so that students are ready to enter the market with confidence. Through their mentorship and role modeling, the advisors also help students choose from the wide variety of specialties in the industry, understand how to make decisions with integrity, and think about how to contribute to the community through their work.
The Final MSRE Practicum
Although the board is involved during the entire program, one of the main ways they impact students is through the final practicum capstone project. In this seven-week mini semester, board members play an active role in shaping our students’ success by providing mentorship, resources, and personalized advice. This final step in the program builds on the reality-based exercises throughout the course and forms a bridge between the academic world and real world.
In frequent meetings throughout the practicum, members of the Advisory Board and their colleagues give key guidance to students on their projects. These meetings are typically conducted as working sessions and can span topics such as construction development, architectural design, financing, and legal considerations. Finally, their seven weeks of work culminate with an all-important student critique, in which members of the Advisory Board and their colleagues host a live presentation and evaluation. This day-long event is a great opportunity for the board to provide feedback, suggest updates, and provide real-world insights to enhance students’ projects.
Renovate Your Real Estate Career
Along with our Advisory Board, our Yeshiva Sy Syms School of Business professors, faculty, and alumni want to help you succeed in New York real estate and beyond. Whether it’s through expertly-crafted courses, key software skills, or networking opportunities, we’re committed to giving our students the critical tools and relationships for this thriving and ever-changing industry.
Connect with an Admissions Advisor to get more information, or start your application today. We can’t wait for you to join us.
*Board of Trustees, Yeshiva University