Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Real Estate Industry

One of the defining characteristics of the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate has always been our commitment to preparing students not just for graduation, but for successful careers. As the commercial real estate industry evolves, so too must the skills of the professionals entering it.

Over the past two years, no development has transformed the business landscape more rapidly than artificial intelligence. From market research and financial analysis to marketing, property operations, and investment decision-making, AI is reshaping how real estate professionals work. While many organizations are still determining how to integrate these technologies into their businesses, we recognized that our graduating seniors needed more than awareness—they needed practical experience.

Rather than waiting for employers to provide that training, the Burnham-Moores Center chose to act. Earlier this year, we partnered with AI strategist and educator Lee Mannion '27 (MSRE) to develop and deliver a six-part workshop series designed specifically for our graduating real estate majors. The goal was simple: ensure that each student entered the workforce with an understanding of today's leading AI platforms and, more importantly, the confidence to use them responsibly and effectively in a professional setting.

Delivered virtually over six interactive sessions, the series explored the rapidly expanding AI ecosystem, including Claude, Google Gemini, OpenAI's ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and emerging open-source models. Students learned the fundamentals of large language models, prompt engineering, AI ethics, privacy considerations, and the strengths and limitations of each platform.

The workshops were intentionally hands-on. Students didn't simply watch demonstrations—they built projects, experimented with AI tools, discussed real-world applications, and explored how these technologies can support commercial real estate professionals throughout their careers. Topics ranged from conducting market research and organizing information to generating presentations, analyzing documents, and improving day-to-day productivity.

Each session combined conceptual learning with practical exercises, group discussion, and follow-up resources that encouraged students to continue developing their skills between workshops. This initiative reflects the philosophy that has guided the Burnham-Moores Center for decades: prepare students for the industry they are entering—not the industry of yesterday. Commercial real estate has always rewarded professionals who combine strong analytical thinking with adaptability. AI will not replace those qualities, but it is rapidly becoming another essential tool in the professional toolkit. Understanding how to use AI thoughtfully, critically, and ethically will increasingly distinguish tomorrow's leaders.

We are grateful to Lee for sharing his expertise and helping our students build both confidence and competence in this rapidly changing field. His engaging teaching style and practical approach challenged students to think beyond the technology itself and consider how AI can enhance problem-solving, collaboration, and lifelong learning. As our graduates begin their careers across brokerage, development, investments, lending, asset management, and property management, they do so with an additional competitive advantage: the ability to leverage emerging technologies while applying the judgment, integrity, and professionalism that remain at the heart of commercial real estate.

At the Burnham-Moores Center, we believe that preparing students for the future means anticipating change before it arrives. This AI workshop series is one more example of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that USD graduates enter the profession ready to contribute from day one.