The ICSC Foundation, in collaboration with Blackstone and KPMG, hosted an immersive, daylong learning experience on Nov. 10 for a select group of undergraduate students from the New York metropolitan region and beyond. Held at the firms’ offices in Midtown Manhattan, the program introduced approximately 25 sophomores, juniors and seniors studying real estate and related fields to the fundamentals of retail real estate dealmaking.
Undergraduate students gathered on Nov. 10 at Blackstone’s and KMPG’s offices in New York City for an ICSC Foundation case study and networking event with professionals from both firms.
Students began the day with an overview of ICSC, Blackstone and KPMG before diving into a hands-on case study that illuminated how deals come together. At rotating roundtables, students discussed the case from multiple perspectives — including investment, asset management, finance and operations — with Blackstone and KPMG experts.
Blackstone managing director of real estate Stephanie McGowan leads an Anatomy of a Retail Real Estate Deal roundtable discussion with students.
The program concluded with a networking session, giving students the opportunity to connect directly with industry leaders and ask questions about careers, pathways and the broader retail real estate landscape.
The event reflects the ICSC Foundation’s commitments to expanding access to the Marketplaces Industry and to building a strong, diverse pipeline of talent.
By Katie Kervin
Managing Editor, Commerce + Communities Today