Patric Lopez, a Chapman University graduate from the Class of 2018, has carved an impressive path in the real estate industry since leaving Chapman’s campus. Armed with a dual major in Business Administration with emphases in Finance and Real Estate, and in French, Lopez’s journey has been nothing short of transformative.

The Chapman Experience

Reflecting on his Chapman experience, Patric fondly recalls his initial uncertainty as a first-generation college student. However, as soon as he set foot on the picturesque campus during move-in day, he felt an immediate connection, confident that Chapman would be his home for the next four years. Active involvement in various clubs and organizations, such as the Chapman Real Estate Association, Chapman University Investment Group, and Phi Delta Theta, enriched his college journey and allowed him to form lasting connections.

A pivotal moment for Lopez was his decision to study abroad in Florence, Italy, during his junior year. “This experience expanded my horizons, giving me the opportunity to explore over 14 countries and build lifelong friendships,” he says. “I am thankful for the resourceful support I received from the Center for Global Education that supported me to make my dream of studying abroad a reality.”

In terms of campus involvement, Lopez highlights the transformative power of participating in Phi Delta Theta. From engaging in Airbands to fundraising for the ALS Association, these experiences taught him the importance of balance in life and the value of building relationships.

Post-Grad Opportunities

Upon graduation, Lopez transitioned seamlessly into the professional world, securing a position as an internship position in his field. “I kickstarted my career as an intern at CBRE, the largest real estate services and investment firm, an opportunity that I found through the Handshake career portal,” he says.

This opportunity served as a stepping stone for his current role as an Associate at Veritas Investments, Inc., a private real estate investment company specializing in multifamily properties in California and Washington. “My role primarily focuses on property acquisitions and asset management for the Southern California region. My main involvement is maintaining the overall portfolio performance for over 1,000 units (number of apartment doors),” says Lopez.

The Argyros Advantage

Chapman’s Argyros School of Business and Economics, now the Argyros College, played a pivotal role in preparing Lopez for his post-graduate career. Leveraging the school’s comprehensive resources, “I maximized the benefits offered by actively participating in career fairs, utilizing the Handshake portal to explore various job opportunities, and engaging in insightful discussions with professors, who generously equipped me with the essential tools and resources for achieving success in my professional career post-grad,” Patric says.

The real estate courses at Chapman, particularly Real Estate Development and Real Estate Finance, proved instrumental in shaping his career trajectory. One of Lopez’s favorite classes, “Walk Down Wall Street,” a travel course, provided a unique experience that bridged the gap between theory and application. This exposure to real-world settings in New York City, alongside the mentorship and resources from Dr. Terence Burnham, significantly contributed to his professional development.

Reflecting on influential figures at Chapman, Lopez acknowledges the impact of Professor Fadel Lawandy and Dr. Jim Doti. Their expertise in finance and economics, coupled with a genuine commitment to student success, left a lasting impression on him.

Walking a Similar Path

Lopez offers valuable advice to current students and recent graduates looking to follow a similar path. He emphasizes the importance of networking, seeking mentorships, embracing continuous learning, and building a versatile skillset to stay competitive in the job market:

  1. Network and seek mentorships: Use the resources that Chapman provides, attend any networking events, career fairs, or the career center as much as possible. Reach out to alumni or professionals in the industry you are interested in breaking into. Do not be afraid to ask questions or even reach out for a coffee.
  2. Embrace continuous learning: Seek knowledge beyond the classroom and always stay curious. Education is a lifelong journey.
  3. Build a skillset: Learn how to be versatile and build a skillset that will give you a competitive advantage over others in the industry. You will want to enhance your marketability in the job market and building a diverse skillset will allow you to do so.

As Patric continues to make waves in the real estate industry, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring professionals.

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