Three unique career paths in real estate: insights from industry professionals  

For anyone considering a career in real estate, one of the first things to understand is the field’s vast range of roles. From financing residential developments to managing commercial leases and consulting on sustainable projects, the real estate industry can offer fulfilling and varied careers that appeal to a diverse set of interests and skills.

Three industry leaders: Dr. Mandy Hansen, Principal of Insight Specialty Consulting; Amanda Tang, Finance Manager at Rize; and Matt Carlson, Founder of Floorspace offer unique perspectives on what it means to work in real estate and share valuable advice for newcomers to the industry. 
 

Real estate strategy and social impact consulting 

Dr. Mandy Hansen leads Insight Specialty Consulting, where her work is deeply rooted in real estate strategy and project management. Her work includes consulting on the social infrastructure projects, such as housing, healthcare and education, ensuring her clients‘ projects align with their strategic goals. She finds her work rewarding as it allows her to develop unique strategies for each client and balance business operations with client service.  

“In consulting, you’re constantly learning—nothing is ever the same twice,” she says.  

Dr. Hansen's journey into the consulting industry took courage, especially as a self-described risk-averse entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and a willingness to pivot.

“Real estate careers are not linear,” she explains, “and an education in this field encourages that flexibility.” 

 
For those interested in real estate consulting, Dr. Hansen emphasizes the importance of developing a broad skill set and asking the right questions.  

“It’s about understanding the big picture,” she says. “Real estate professionals need to take a holistic view—considering not just the tactical details, but how projects drive a client’s long-term goals forward.” 
 

Managing funds and raising capital 

Amanda Tang, Finance Manager at Rize, works on the financial side of the industry, where she’s responsible for sourcing loans, raising equity and managing Rize’s development and investment portfolio. Working for a developer, her role is unique in that it allows her to engage directly with lenders.

"This hands-on approach helps me understand each project’s full picture, and it’s rewarding to play a part in building affordable and functional homes for communities." 

Her work is deeply rooted in her passion for community building and developing transit-accessible homes designed for people seeking quality, practical living options outside the high-end, downtown market. 

“We’re not just building for returns,” she shares, “but to create homes that serve the community.”  

One of the biggest challenges Tang faces is navigating the unpredictable nature of the market, especially when it comes to securing funding for projects.  

“There are times when everything is in place, yet market conditions hold us back,” she says. “But facing these challenges has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the understanding that setbacks are just part of the journey in the bigger picture of these projects.” 

 
Tang’s career was shaped by practical learning experiences—including internships, UBC Sauder’s Cornell case competition and further enriched by courses in real estate finance and the pursuit of her CFA. Her advice to those just starting out?  

"Reach out and talk to people across different roles. Even if two people have the same title, their day-to-day work can be drastically different." 
 

Working with commercial real estate clients and mentorship 

Matt Carlson, founder of the boutique brokerage Floorspace Commercial, entered the real estate world through commercial leasing—a field that fascinated him as it offered exposure to different types of properties and service lines. After over a decade working for one of the big brokerage firms, Carlson founded Floorspace to deliver a more relationship-driven, tech-enabled service for clients.  

"My partner and I wanted to modernize the commercial real estate experience by driving strategic growth and elevating the customer journey for our brokers and clients through new technology and data,” says Carlson. 

For Carlson, the most rewarding part of his job is the opportunity to mentor new brokers and build strong client relationships.  

“Working with a variety of different people, helping them build their careers, and learning from business executives—those are the most fulfilling aspects for me,” he shares.  

However, time management can be a major challenge. With multiple clients, projects on the go, and a business to run, it can be tough to balance competing priorities.  

"In brokerage, you often find yourself balancing 10 different priorities and responding to the loudest voice in the room,” says Carlson. “It teaches you to prioritize effectively, so you can provide excellent service to all your clients." 

His advice on entering the field? Carlson encourages aspiring brokers to think beyond traditional roles.

"People often assume real estate is all about selling, but there are many behind-the-scenes roles that make projects successful. Find a niche that excites you and don’t be afraid to innovate." 
 

What’s next: trends and skills for the future 

For folks considering a career in real estate, Dr. Hansen, Tang and Carlson recommend approaching each interaction as a learning opportunity and understanding that the field offers numerous paths. Success in real estate depends on adaptability, networking, and a willingness to continue learning. 

UBC Sauder’s new Real Estate Essentials course provides a solid foundation for entering the field. The course brings together industry experts and practical case studies, offering students a comprehensive view of the sector’s landscape—from legal and construction principles to financing, valuation, and investment analysis. The course also explores the diversity of exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the real estate sector. 

“The industry is constantly evolving, and your career path may be too,” says Dr. Hansen. “But if you’re ready to learn and take chances, real estate can be an incredibly rewarding field.”