Future of Work Series

Level up your skills. Grow your Trojan network. Advance your career.

Developed in collaboration with the USC Career Center, the Future of Work Series brings Trojans together to explore the trends, technologies and career strategies shaping tomorrow’s workplace. Designed for alumni at every career stage, this dynamic series offers mentorship, professional development, insider industry perspectives and powerful networking opportunities that strengthen connections across the Trojan Family.

Upcoming Events

Check out upcoming webinars and in-person mentorship and networking events to help boost your career!

Alumni Real Estate Network Mentor Series

November 18 | In-Person

Join the Real Estate Network for an evening of industry insights and meaningful connections. Attendees can network with USC alumni and real estate professionals, hear from industry leaders during the Future of Real Estate panel, and reserve an optional one-on-one mentor session for personalized career advice.

Past Events

Mentors

Michael Beach

Vice President of Originations, Berkadia

Michael Beach is a Vice President of Originations at Berkadia, bringing more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, specializing in development, joint venture equity and debt investments. A USC alumnus, Michael graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate Development and Finance and previously worked at Newmark, where he contributed to the underwriting and origination of more than $10 billion in multifamily loans and credit facilities nationwide. As a mentor, he offers valuable insights into real estate capital markets, financing strategies, multifamily investments and building a successful career in commercial real estate.

Alex Blecksmith

Vice President, Colliers

Alex Blecksmith is a Vice President at Colliers, bringing more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, specializing in industrial property sales, leasing and investments throughout Southern California. A USC alumnus, Alex earned his MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business and has also pursued a Master of Real Estate Development at the USC Price School of Public Policy. As a mentor, he offers valuable insights into industrial brokerage, real estate investment strategies and building a successful career in commercial real estate.

David Chen

Principal, Lee & Associates

David Chen is a Principal at Lee & Associates in Pasadena, specializing in commercial real estate, retail and office brokerage, leasing and investment advisory services throughout Southern California. A USC alumnus, David earned both his Master of Business Administration and Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California and has held leadership positions with the CCIM Institute and Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA). As a mentor, he offers valuable insights into retail brokerage, commercial real estate investments, property development and building a successful career in the real estate industry.

Deborah Holland

Senior Director, KTGY

Deborah Holland, AIA, NCARB is a Senior Director at KTGY, a national architecture and design firm, bringing extensive expertise in architectural design and real estate development. A USC alumna, Deborah earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California and combines her architectural education with industry experience to support the planning, design, and development of built environments. As a mentor, she offers valuable insights into architecture, the relationship between design and real estate development and building a successful career in the industry.

Schuyler Jackson

National Senior Real Estate Manager, McDonald’s

Schuyler Jackson is a National Senior Real Estate Manager at McDonald’s, specializing in commercial real estate within the food and beverage industry. A graduate of the University of Southern California, where he earned his Master’s in Real Estate Development, Schuyler brings expertise in corporate real estate strategy, site selection and development. As a mentor, he offers valuable insights and career guidance to professionals interested in commercial real estate, strategic site development and career advancement within the industry.

Martin Nguyen

Principal, Centre Urban Real

Martin Nguyen is a Principal at Centre Urban Real, specializing in commercial real estate and providing strategic guidance on real estate investments and development opportunities. A USC alumnus, Martin earned his Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California and brings valuable insight into property investment, market trends and the business strategies that drive successful real estate ventures. As a mentor, he offers guidance to professionals interested in commercial real estate, investment strategies and career advancement within the industry.

Jim Resha

Senior Vice President and Chair of the National Retail Specialty Group, Sperry Commercial

Jim Resha is a Senior Vice President and Chair of the National Retail Specialty Group at Sperry Commercial, bringing more than 40 years of experience in commercial real estate, brokerage and investment strategy. A USC MBA alumnus, Jim specializes in retail property sales, leasing and strategic advisory services, helping property owners and investors navigate complex real estate decisions. As a mentor, he offers valuable insights into retail brokerage, real estate investment and building a successful long-term career in commercial real estate.

Justin Woodworth

Managing Director of Multifamily Markets, The Hoffman Company

Justin Woodworth is the Managing Director of Multifamily Markets at The Hoffman Company, specializing in residential land brokerage, multifamily investments and real estate development throughout Southern California. A USC alumnus, Justin earned his Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California and has extensive experience in real estate acquisitions and development, having supported the acquisition and development of more than 2,000 residential units. As a mentor, he offers valuable insights into land brokerage, multifamily development, investment strategies and building a successful career in commercial real estate.