Shaun Wiechmann’s time at Chapman University is a powerful testament to how a student can grow personally and professionally with the right mix of academic rigor, mentorship, and real-world experience. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Political Science in 2022, Shaun went on to pursue his Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE), completing it in 2023.

“My Chapman experience was nothing short of phenomenal,” Shaun shared. “The smaller class sizes led to a strong personalized education. It was very helpful to have direct access to different professors and mentors at Chapman.”

Those one-on-one relationships became cornerstones of Shaun’s journey. He credits much of his transformation—from a shy student to a confident professional—to the mentorship and encouragement he received from professors who not only taught the coursework but also actively shaped his development.

Finding Purpose in Finance and Real Estate

Now a Senior Real Estate Analyst at Pacific Life in Newport Beach, California, Shaun works in the finance sector with a focus on commercial loan originations. He supports a real estate finance production team responsible for lending to financial entities across the country, covering everything from stabilized assets to ground-up construction projects.

“These transactions are large, complex, and require a lot of creativity to get everything to the finish line smoothly,” he explained. “The finance side of real estate is a great blend of people and numbers.”

That intersection is where Shaun thrives. A pivotal networking conversation during his junior year at Chapman helped him pinpoint his passion for finance within the broader world of real estate. From that moment on, he sought to build a career that allowed him to leverage both analytical and interpersonal skills. The MSRE program became the perfect next step to enhance his technical capabilities while further developing his industry network.

Chapman’s MSRE Program: From Campus to Industry

The MSRE program was more than just classes—it was real-world preparation. Shaun emphasized how Chapman’s curriculum was grounded in case competitions and practical projects that mirrored industry scenarios.

One of the defining moments of his graduate experience was representing Chapman in the NAIOP Orange County Real Estate Challenge, a prestigious competition between Chapman and UCI’s graduate real estate teams.

“This competition is really the crown jewel of the program, and I was eager to compete for the win,” he recalled. “It enhanced skill sets on financial underwriting, the due diligence process, and building a proper pitch presentation to real industry major players.”

He also highlighted the Real Estate Fundamentals course as his favorite, describing it as “a thrilling semester” that involved everything from lectures and guest speakers to downtown building tours and pitch presentations in professional boardrooms.

Personal Growth: From Shyness to Self-Assurance

Shaun’s academic and career achievements are matched only by his personal growth. He entered Chapman shy and hesitant to speak publicly, but the environment helped him grow far beyond his comfort zone.

“I had a fear of public speaking and just striking up a conversation with someone I didn’t know,” Shaun admitted. “The mentors and professors at Chapman really pushed me out of my comfort zone… By the end of my time at Chapman, I had become a much more confident and intentional individual.”

Working with the special needs community during his time at Chapman also taught him crucial soft skills like patience, empathy, and emotional intelligence—skills he now uses daily in the workplace. These lessons, he noted, often hold more value in real-world success than technical expertise alone.

Advice for Current Students: Start Early, Be Intentional

Shaun offers a wealth of advice for current students hoping to succeed in competitive industries like finance and real estate. His most consistent theme: start early—whether it’s networking, internships, or skill development.

“Employers are looking for experience more than ever,” he emphasized. “Even a simple internship between your freshman and sophomore year will give you a huge advantage.”

Shaun also encourages students to take advantage of Chapman’s career resources and partnerships, such as Wall Street Prep, which offers training in financial modeling. He personally received guidance from Matt Lightner, Jim Dusserre, Jolene Haley, and Heather Stotler—whom he credits with helping him navigate career paths and sharpen his professional toolkit.

Beyond technical training, Shaun encourages students to refine soft skills. “Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call people,” he said. “It can be intimidating, but the more repetitions you get, the easier it gets.”

Looking Back and Ahead

While Shaun’s journey has been one of success, he reflects candidly on areas he would have approached differently. He wishes he had pursued more internships earlier in his college career and struck a better balance between academics and social life. Still, his time at Chapman left a lasting mark on both his career and personal identity.

“I am very grateful for all the people who I have met and continue to meet through the university,” Shaun said. “Chapman significantly enhanced my career and personal life’s trajectory.”

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