Calling CBS Real Estate Alumni: Become a Mentor

Alumni Student Mentorship Program | 2026–2027

The Alumni Student Mentorship Program is an annual initiative of the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate and the Real Estate Association (REA) that connects current Columbia Business School students with real estate alumni.

Through one-to-one mentor-mentee relationships, students have the opportunity to build meaningful professional connections, expand their Columbia network, and receive ongoing practical advice and early career guidance.

The program kicks off with a breakfast every November at Columbia Business School's Manhattanville campus. The event provides an opportunity for participants to meet and connect for the first time and helps set the foundation for a positive mentorship experience. Attendance is required for participating students and is encouraged but not required for alumni mentors. Mentorship relationships can begin and continue regardless of a mentor's ability to attend the kickoff event.

Following the kickoff event, mentor-mentee pairs are encouraged to connect throughout the academic year in whatever format and frequency works best for them. Meetings may take place in person or virtually, giving participants the flexibility to shape the relationship around their schedules, locations, and professional commitments. While the kickoff event takes place in New York City, Columbia Business School real estate alumni from across the country and around the world are encouraged to participate as mentors.

What Does Mentorship Look Like?

The program is designed to be flexible and relationship-driven. Mentors and students can connect virtually or in person, with each pair determining what works best based on their schedules, locations, and professional commitments.

Mentors are encouraged to connect with their student at least twice per semester. There are no formal deliverables, allowing each mentorship relationship to develop naturally.

Program Kickoff

The program kicks off with an Alumni Student Mentorship Breakfast in November at Columbia Business School’s Manhattanville campus. The event provides an opportunity for participants to meet and establish their mentorship relationship.

Alumni mentors are encouraged, but not required, to attend the kickoff. Mentorship relationships can begin and continue regardless of a mentor’s ability to attend.

Become a Mentor

Interested in becoming a mentor? Submit your interest form here by October 2, 2026.

Whether you are early in your career or have decades of industry experience, your perspective can make a meaningful difference to a current CBS student.

Learn more and submit your interest form through CBS RE's mentorship page here.

Questions? Contact [email protected].