SDSU Student Business Organization Spotlight: The Real Estate Society
Jacob DuCharme, President of the Real Estate Society
The Fowler College of Business’ student organizations have continued to operate effectively, host professional events and engage with the community through virtual platforms, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic. During San Diego State University’s Fall 2020 semester, the Real Estate Society (RES) has hosted several guest speakers at their virtual meetings to sharpen their professional skills and network with potential employers. Jacob DuCharme (Junior, Real Estate) President of the RES, shares how they have adapted to a virtual environment, why students should join the organization, and how the RES has impacted his leadership experience. DuCharme also describes his time at SDSU, and his career aspirations, while offering advice to current students.
About the Real Estate Society (RES):
Q: What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host?
We have been virtually hosting bi-weekly guest speakers to discuss various aspects of the Commercial Real Estate industry. We also publish case studies, alumni testimonials, and Q&A video sessions with various professionals around Southern California.
The "Brusseau Case Study" was DuCharme’s first case study ever with the RES as a freshman at SDSU. This event inspired him to join RES and get even more involved at SDSU.
Q: How does RES connect with the community outside of SDSU?
We have a very strong alumni network that is kept in the loop by the Real Estate Society Alumni Board. Prior to COVID-19, we would travel to case studies every other Friday and walk through a development project with the developer/designer/project manager/leasing team/etc. We would then go to lunch as a group to get more interpersonal networking value. We plan to continue this once state and local guidelines, as well as SDSU allows us to do so.
Q: Why should students join your RES?
Students have joined RES for a multitude of reasons: to make like-minded, driven friends, to learn more about Real Estate or Finance opportunities within the surrounding industry, and to sharpen professional skills and tools such as resumes, LinkedIns, Excel work, and networking.
Q: How can a student get involved with RES?
Our website resofsdsu.com has all the information you're looking for! Hit JOIN at the top if you are interested in becoming a member!
Q & A with RES President, Jacob DuCharme
Name: Jacob DuCharme
Major: Real Estate
Campus affiliations / organizations: The Real Estate Society (President), Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (President), Rotaract (Member)
Q: As a student leader involved with an organization at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?
DuCharme coordinated the "Gustafson Celsius Case Study" as program director of RES
during his sophomore year. Members walked through a multifamily affordable income
project in San Diego.
I decided to get involved as a freshman because I knew what I wanted to do with my career, generally speaking. The Real Estate Society has educated me and inspired me to look at new avenues I would have never considered. It has also introduced me to countless professionals; some have become my mentors. My experience has been absolutely incredible! Even if you graduate soon you are still an undergraduate and involvement in any club, especially within CBC, will help you progress your career, network, and extracurricular education.
Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful?
The networking opportunities provided by RES have been the most impactful experience. I have met and talked with more than 100-200 professionals and have learned so much about the industry and where I would fit in best after graduation.
Q: What has been your favorite SDSU memory so far?
The first case study I went to with The Real Estate Society as a freshman during one of my first weeks of college was awesome. We walked around a development by Newport National Corporation in San Diego with Scott Brusseau, their President, and discussed each and every aspect of the project that gave the tenants value. On one of the floors, a defense contractor had planned to lease the entire floor. So, they had to find a way to give the company proper technology and defense to be able to operate.
Q: If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?
Meet as many people as possible. No matter what you may think, everyone can add value to your life in one form or another.
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Use the writing center and go to CBC tutor sessions.
The RES participates in a case study at Portside Pier in downtown San Diego, which recently opened in July 2020. The Morton family, owners of Brigantine, Miguels, Ketch, Topsail, and Portside gelato, put all of their different restaurant styles and ideas under one 48,000 square foot roof on the water in downtown San Diego.
Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?
My career goals in chronological order are to start working full-time in the Commercial Real Estate Industry at a firm by the September after I graduate, work for that firm for 20+ years while saving up capital, then create my own firm that develops projects for the less fortunate i.e. poor families in countries like Mexico, homeless in America, and affordable income projects that uplift the entire community while defeating the negative stigma of section 8 and affordable income.
Q: Cats or Dogs? DOGS
Q: Instagram or TikTok? Neither
Q: Morning or Night? Night
Q: Shopping - In store or online? Online
Q: Panchos or Trujuillos? Trujillo's - Sigma Chi Crunch Wrap with Horchata
Q: Favorite show to binge watch? Office
Q: Hidden Talent? I don’t hide any of my talents.
*All images with groups of people were taken prior to COVID-19.
