Q&As - We asked current student, Callyn Owen!

Callyn Owen is a Class of 2028 Real Estate major with a specialization in Entrepreneurship.

What drew you to major in Real Estate with a specialization in Entrepreneurship, and how do those two areas of study complement each other?

My desire to pair my study of Real Estate with a specialization in Entrepreneurship stems from my naturally entrepreneurial and business-minded spirit. Majoring in Real Estate was a clear decision for me because of my inherent interest in the people-oriented nature of the business and my fascination with markets and behavioral trends. Real estate constantly challenges me to think critically, analyze patterns, and understand how economic forces shape development and deal flow. I am always intellectually stimulated by the field, and it never fails to push my knowledge further. Growing up around real estate made the decision to pursue it academically feel both natural and purposeful.

However, my decision to add a specialization in Entrepreneurship developed through my experiences in high school. I pursued several entrepreneurial endeavors during that time and quickly realized that I was not ready to let that creative, independent side of myself go. Entrepreneurship allows me to think beyond traditional structures, take initiative, and bring ideas to life.

Together, these two fields allow me to combine analytical thinking with creativity and independence. Real Estate grounds me in markets, strategy, and financial understanding, while Entrepreneurship encourages innovation and risk-taking. The combination equips me to pursue my real estate passions with both structure and vision.

How has being a BBA Scholar and Honors student enhanced your learning experience in business?

My experience in the Honors College began with my time in the Hilltop Scholars Program, where community service and what it means to be a contributing member of society were strongly emphasized. When I had the opportunity to continue into the Honors College following my freshman year in the Hilltop program, I knew it was something I wanted to challenge myself with. Through the Honors College (UHP) classes I have taken thus far, I have developed greater confidence as a student and gained a more comprehensive, eye-opening perspective on the world around me, as well as how my voice matters and can create meaningful change.

My experience in the BBA Scholars Program has been so crucial to my character development and confidence as a business major. Through the BBA Scholars Program, I had the privilege of applying to C.A.P. (Career Accelerator Program). Through this program, I was given exclusive access to professional development resources such as mock interviews, guest/employer speakers, internship opportunities, and more. Being exposed to the industry as a freshman has significantly contributed to my confidence in coffee chats, business classes, and success in interviews. I have fostered relationships with staff in the business school and employer partners, further strengthening my network and providing unmatched guidance from experienced professionals in the field.

You’ve accepted a Leasing Internship with JLL in San Antonio—what are you most excited to learn in this role, and what strategies or resources helped you secure the opportunity?

Since coming to SMU, I quickly realized how critical networking and relationship-building are, especially within the real estate industry. Throughout my freshman year, and even more intentionally during my sophomore year, I prioritized meeting industry professionals across various firms and sectors within commercial real estate. These conversations expanded my understanding of the field and strengthened my resilience.

Although I faced consistent rejection, largely because I was not yet a junior and slightly early in the brokerage recruiting cycle, I remained persistent. Networking motivated me to continue applying for roles I genuinely wanted. Through this process, I built a competitive resume that ultimately helped me secure a first-round interview with JLL in San Antonio.

Having connected with professionals in the Dallas office, I developed a strong appreciation for JLL’s culture and values. They showed particular interest in my involvement in RISE and the SMU Real Estate Club, which I believe helped me stand out. Throughout every coffee chat and interview, I committed to being authentic and fully myself, confident, outgoing, and genuinely curious. I believe that authenticity, paired with preparation and persistence, has been key to both my campus leadership growth and internship success.

I am especially excited to gain hands-on experience in this role and explore diverse asset classes while discovering whether leasing is the right long-term path for me. Real estate is such a broad umbrella industry, and I truly believe internships are essential in college because you never fully know what aligns with you until you are in the field. Every experience teaches us something about ourselves, and I am eager to continue learning through doing.

How has your involvement in RISE helped you build industry knowledge, connections, or practical skills outside the classroom?

RISE is by far the most impactful club you can be involved in if you are serious about pursuing commercial real estate. This organization has challenged me, pushed me, and humbled me in the best way as I’ve learned the complexities of real estate valuation and underwriting. It is not an easy commitment; it requires long hours and genuine discipline, but that is exactly what makes it so valuable. Through hands-on modeling and financial analysis, RISE has exposed me to technical skills that many students do not encounter until their junior or senior year in upper-level real estate courses. The rigor of the program has significantly strengthened my confidence in interviews and in professional settings. RISE has set me apart by accelerating my technical knowledge and fostering meaningful confidence in professional growth.

What advice would you give prospective students who are interested in real estate about getting involved early and positioning themselves for internships?

One of the best recommendations I have is to get involved; it’s never too early to start. I would most definitely join the SMU Real Estate Club. The SMU RE Club provides unmatched networking opportunities and real exposure to the industry. It’s one of the easiest ways to start building relationships and learning from experienced and successful people in the industry. I would also encourage them to consider applying for RISE. It is something that will truly sharpen your technical skills and prepare you for internships and interviews. Through case competitions, we get hands-on experience analyzing deals and presenting to industry professionals who provide valuable feedback and connections. You really start to understand what it feels like to think and operate as an analyst. Lastly, I cannot emphasize the power of coffee chats and networking enough. Speaking with professionals across different firms and areas of commercial real estate has taught me so much about the industry and guided me through specific areas of interest, teaching me more about myself than I thought possible. It is also incredible practice for becoming more conversational, confident, and able to speak intelligently about the market!

Thank you for sharing your journey, Callyn! We can’t wait to see where your ambition takes you next as you continue building your path in the industry.