On February 10th, 2026, the Cornell Real Estate Club hosted a Young Alumni Panel featuring Lauren Scheller (Sculptor Capital Management), Jade Woo (Actis), and Berta Faktorovich (KKR), who shared insights from their early careers across real estate private equity, investment banking, and lending. The panel offered students a valuable perspective on navigating recruitment, evaluating deals, and transitioning from college into full-time roles. The speakers discussed a range of transactions that shaped their experiences, from preferred equity investments in the ski industry to casino asset sales and luxury multifamily developments. They emphasized the importance of flexibility and creativity in deal structuring, as well as the need to approach underwriting like a “detective,” using historical performance, market data, and narrative-building to evaluate opportunities. Additionally, they highlighted how exposure to niche asset classes and direct client interaction can accelerate learning and responsibility early in one’s career. Beyond technical skills, the panelists stressed the importance of continuous learning, curiosity, and strong communication. They encouraged students to attend as many events as possible, explore different career paths through internships, and stay informed on both real estate-specific and broader macroeconomic trends. The discussion also touched on the challenges of transitioning into the workforce, including managing unpredictable workloads and maintaining a positive, adaptable mindset. We are incredibly grateful to our alumni for sharing their experiences and look forward to continuing to connect students with industry leaders through our speaker series.