A Non-Traditional Path into Real Estate
When Hannah Mathew began the MSRE program at Portland State University, she wasn’t following a traditional path into commercial real estate. After building a startup and seeing it through acquisition, she found herself laid off and spending a year between roles. What came next was a deliberate pivot toward a long-standing interest in commercial real estate, and enrolling in the MSRE program became her way forward.
“I knew I needed an edge to make that leap,” Hannah shared. That edge came through the MSRE Near Peer Program, where she was paired with Matt Rissi, a recent MRED graduate who had transitioned from military service into commercial real estate lending. His real-world perspective proved invaluable, especially for someone entering the industry from outside the typical pipeline.
Mentorship Beyond the Classroom
Although the Near Peer Program was designed to last one quarter, Matt continued meeting with Hannah throughout her time in the program. Their conversations went beyond technical skills and focused instead on the nuances of professional growth, including interviewing with confidence, networking intentionally, negotiating offers, and staying engaged beyond the classroom.
“Matt always offered practical advice, asked thoughtful questions, and created space for honest conversations,” Hannah said. One piece of guidance stood out in particular, showing up with clarity and curiosity. With Matt’s encouragement, Hannah began to see how her previous experience could add value in real estate and became more intentional about how she used her time in the program. That mindset shaped her approach to networking, class projects, and her job search.
Landing the Role
By the end of her first quarter, Hannah received an offer to join Cushman and Wakefield as a Real Estate Strategy Analyst.
“The mentorship I received through the Near Peer Program helped me feel prepared and confident stepping into that role,” she reflected. “I’m not sure I would have found my footing as quickly without Matt’s steady guidance and support.”
The Value of Consistency
For Hannah, the greatest value of the Near Peer Program wasn’t just the advice. It was the consistency. Having someone who had recently navigated the same program and understood both the pressure and potential of the industry made a lasting impact.
“If you’re an MSRE student, I highly recommend taking part in the Near Peer Program,” Hannah said. “It’s a simple structure that delivers meaningful value and reminds you that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.”