Ryan Archibald took his collegiate studies across the country and back again before joining the Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University to pursue a degree from the Master’s in Real Estate Development program (MRED).
A successful college athlete, Archibald won an A10 championship with Mason’s baseball team. Now a Student Ambassador for the MRED program, Archibald provides candid, firsthand perspectives of the school, coursework, and life as a Mason Patriot for prospective students. Archibald says the connections he has already made at Mason with faculty and fellow students in the program have grown his professional network and will be a great asset as he pursues a career in commercial real estate. Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with Archibald to learn more about his journey and why he chose Mason’s MRED program.
Why did you pursue the Master of Science in Real Estate Development (MRED), and why George Mason University?
I pursued the MRED degree program because I wanted to get into commercial real estate. I obtained my undergraduate degree in finance, and an MBA would only help me if I were going into marketing, accounting, or finance. This is another reason why I wanted to get an MRED degree. A third reason would be to meet like-minded people who want to break into the industry, if not already in it, and network with them as well as the past graduates and sponsors of the program. The people I have met being a part of the program so far have been priceless.
Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I grew up in Orange County, California, and moved to Bel Air, Maryland in 2015. I then played college baseball at the University of Arizona my freshman year, transferred to West Virginia University to be closer to home and play baseball there for my sophomore year, then transferred to Mercer University in Georgia for my junior and senior year for baseball due to COVID, and that is where I obtained my undergraduate degree in finance. Because of COVID, I got an extra year of eligibility and transferred to Mason to begin the MRED program and play my last year. We won the A10 championship and went out on top. To make a long story short, the fun fact is I have been to four colleges and have moved from coast to coast.
What are the highlights of your MRED experience so far?
By far the highlights have been meeting my classmates and the professors. My classmates have been great connections and friends to me so far. My professors have also been great connections as friends because they not only teach me but also put me in contact with other industry experts who can help me get to where I want to go.
What goals do you have for the future?
I want to start my own investment firm and acquire value-added properties.
Do you have any advice for aspiring MRED candidates?
This MRED program has been nothing but the best to me and for me and I have recommended it to everyone I can. If you have an opportunity to join it, then please do. It was created by the top minds in corporate real estate for a reason.
The Master’s in Real Estate Development (MRED) program at George Mason University’s Costello College of Business is designed to enhance the employment potential and upward mobility of real estate industry professionals. For those working in development, architecture, engineering, public planning, construction management, real estate finance, mortgage lending, property management, real estate laws, or related fields, the MRED program prepares students for key positions in real estate investment and development.
If you’re interested in learning more about Mason’s Master’s in Real Estate Development program, register for an upcoming info session or request more information about the program here.
Check out this article about the MRED program too: Get to know May Abou Ghazaleh, assistant director of Mason’s Master’s in Real Estate Development program