Student Engagement

Enhance your learning inside and outside of the classroom. It's not extracurricular, it's co-curricular.

Undergraduate and Graduate Real Estate clubs

Through our student real estate clubs, Folsom connects you with the best in the industry.

The Undergraduate and Graduate Real Estate Clubs offer students immersive, hands-on experiences that complement and enrich their academic studies in real estate. These Clubs serve as dynamic platforms for professional development, educational advancement, and meaningful networking opportunities. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, the Clubs empower students to explore the industry through mentorship programs, corporate treks, skill-building workshops, guest speaker events, and more.

In an industry where relationships are critical to success, the Real Estate Clubs provide valuable access to a robust network of industry professionals, alumni, and peers. Whether students are exploring potential career paths or preparing to enter the workforce, the Clubs equip them with the tools, insights, and connections necessary tot navigate and thrive in the competitive real estate landscape. 

Join the Undergraduate Real Estate Club

Join the Graduate Real Estate Club


leticia martini de souza headshotSTUDENT SPOTLIGHT

"The Folsom Institute has been invaluable to my real estate college career. The board events and mentorship opportunities have allowed me to gain insights from industry leaders, build a strong professional network,  and apply real-world knowledge to my academic studies. The guidance and connections I have made through the Institute Advisory Board have significantly enhanced my understanding of the real estate marketing and opened doors for future career opportunities."

LETICIA MARTINI DE SOUZA, BBA, Class of 2025; Undergraduate Real Estate Club, VP of Peer Mentorship 2024-2025



Student Engagement Opportunities

Dynamic Programming

The Folsom Institute delivers dynamic programming that promotes professional development through a diverse range of educational and networking events. From industry-focused career workshops and expert panel discussions to real estate career roundtables, the Institute equips students with the tools and connections needed for career readiness.

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Skills Training

Training doesn’t just happen in the classroom. The Folsom Institute extends learning by partnering with leading organizations to deliver real-estate focused workshops directly on campus. Committed to building career-ready skills, the Institute supports students in advancing their financial modeling and market analysis capabilities. This includes co-investment opportunities for students to earn ARGUS certifications, participate in CCIM-level courses, attend Tableau workshops, and pursue their Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License. Additionally, the Institute offers targeted training on career strategies and successfully navigating entry into the commercial real estate industry.

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Corporate Treks

The Folsom Institute offers corporate treks that allow students to explore key markets, connect with top firms in the industry, and gain a national perspective on the real estate industry. Past treks have included major cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York City.

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Case Study Competitions

The Folsom Institute is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of real estate leaders by providing students with opportunities to refine their skills through high-level case study competitions. These events, which feature both real-world and hypothetical case studies, task participants with solving complex business challenges under pressure. Student teams must engage in strategic collaboration, conduct in-depth research and analysis, and deliver compelling presentations to panels of seasoned real estate professionals. Given the rigorous nature of these competitions—often drawing top-tier teams from across the country and around the world—the Folsom Institute actively supports student participation, recognizing the invaluable experience, professional growth, and industry exposure these challenges provide. 

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LINKS Mentorship Program

The Leadership, Insight, Networking, and Knowledge (LINKs) Mentoring Program connects students with Folsom Board Members—seasoned real estate professionals—for coffee chats, lunches, and professional meetings. These small-group interactions offer students invaluable insights into the commercial real estate industry and help them become more confident and career-ready. Students are encouraged to ask candid questions and seek guidance on how to succeed in the field. The program also provides a meaningful opportunity for students to build lasting professional relationships and expand their real estate network.

Industry Conferences

The Folsom Institute believes that attending industry conferences is a critical component of a student’s professional development, offering unmatched opportunities for networking, learning, and business exposure. The Institute encourages student participation in leading real estate conferences such as the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC); often by sponsoring or providing financial assistance. These conferences allow students to immersive themselves in the latest industry trends, engage directly with industry experts, and form meaningful connections that can lead to internships, mentorships, and long-term career growth. 

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Scholarships and Awards

The Folsom Institute is committed to recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and professional promise through a variety of scholarships and awards. These financial awards are made possible through the generous support of industry partners and alumni, and are designed to support students pursuing careers in commercial real estate. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, involvement in real estate activities, leadership potential, and overall contribution to the Folsom community.

RISE Program

The RISE Program is a cohort of motivated SMU undergraduates preparing for careers in real estate investment management. RISE provides a rigorous, hands-on curriculum that equips students with real-world skills and industry knowledge. The program covers core topics such as asset classes, valuation, capital markets, and capital structure. Students also gain experience in underwriting, financial modeling, and investment pitch development, culminating in portfolio evaluations and pitch reviews—preparing them to stand out in a competitive job market.

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