Reichard Real Estate Academy
Launch your career in commercial real estate
The Reichard Real Estate Academy prepares a select group of University of Illinois students to succeed in entry-level roles as commercial real estate (CRE) analysts and beyond. Through a five-semester pathway of academic preparation, industry engagement, and professional development, Academy students graduate with the technical skills, professional network, and hands-on experience that CRE employers look for on day one.
Students build the skills employers are hiring for
Commercial Real Estate is the third largest investable asset class after bonds and equities, and the industry includes hundreds of University of Illinois alumni who stay closely connected to Gies College of Business. As a member of the Reichard Real Estate Academy, you'll tap into that network while building the technical and professional foundation to launch your career.
Academy students can expect to graduate prepared to pursue roles in:
- Commercial and investment banking
- Investment management
- Real estate development and consulting
- REITs and private equity firms
- Brokerage and asset management
Academy members complete a focused sequence of courses designed to build the knowledge base commercial real estate employers expect:
- FIN 241: Introduction to Commercial Real Estate
- FIN 395: Real Estate Academy (minimum three semesters)
- FIN 418: Financial Modeling
- FIN 445: Real Estate Investments
- One elective from the remaining CRE course offerings
Learn by doing
The Academy experience goes well past the classroom. Members work on real client projects, compete in case competitions, and connect directly with industry professionals — building a resume and a network that stand out in a competitive CRE hiring landscape. Alongside coursework, students develop the leadership, networking, and teamwork skills that define successful CRE professionals from their first day on the
FIN 395: The Heart of the Academy Experience
FIN 395, Real Estate Academy, is the signature course that sets the Reichard Real Estate Academy apart — and it's reserved exclusively for Academy members. Taken across a minimum of three semesters, FIN 395 is where classroom knowledge turns into real career readiness. Students receive career support built specifically around CRE recruiting timelines and expectations, while developing the professional soft skills that set standout candidates apart in interviews and on the job. The course also builds industry-specific technical skills and opens the door to CRE industry networks and alumni connections that can be hard to access on your own. Along the way, students take part in experiential learning opportunities like case competitions, client-based projects, and real-world case studies, all while building relationships through student-to-student mentorship that carries them through the program and beyond.e1f15826fb1e49bdbd844df36ec2e53b.jpg?sfvrsn=57ef11a0_0 "Reichard Real Estate Academy Fall 2026(1)")
.jpg?sfvrsn=32cde7f_1)
Who Should Apply
Is the Academy right for you?
The Reichard Real Estate Academy selectively admits a small cohort of students each year. Successful applicants typically:
- Have a strong overall academic record
- Have completed or are enrolled in FIN 241: Introduction to Commercial Real Estate (or hold a waiver from the Academy Director)
- Have demonstrated interest in and commitment to the real estate sector, for example, through involvement in Rho Epsilon or outside CRE learning opportunities
- Show emerging leadership skills and a demonstrated ability to network and collaborate effectively with others
Application and Academy Completion
While most Academy members come from Gies College of Business, the program is open to students from any college on campus who meet the criteria and commit to completing all curricular and non-curricular requirements.
Students apply in the fall of their sophomore year. Those who complete all curricular and non-curricular requirements are recognized as graduates of the Reichard Real Estate Academy upon completion of their bachelor's degree.
555102e071a5485a9e060c1c20bc87dd.jpg?sfvrsn=28f44a67_1)
Meet the Director
Sarah Byrnes, Director of the Reichard Real Estate Academy
About Nate Reichard
A 2006 University of Illinois alumnus, Nate Reichard is the founder and CEO of Reichard Capital, LLC. In this capacity, he drives the company’s overall strategic vision and direction. Nate has spent approximately 20 years in the real estate, insurance, and capital markets industries. He has distinguished himself as a successful entrepreneur by managing a portfolio of almost $1 billion in transactional volume through differentiated business strategies. Nate is poised to draw inspiration from his family’s legacy in construction as Reichard Capital seeks to institutionalize its capital formation strategy and its affiliated companies.
In 2025, Nate made a generous naming gift to establish the Reichard Real Estate Academy at Gies Business, reflecting his commitment to supporting the next generation of real estate professionals.
We extend our sincere thanks to Nate for his generous naming gift to the Reichard Real Estate Academy helping support the next generation of real estate leaders at Gies Business.
Ready to get
Admission into the Reichard Real Estate Academy is highly selective, with applications opening in the fall of your sophomore year.