Curtis says UREC’s strength is its accessibility to students at every level

Last month, UNC sophomore Fletcher Curtis was named co-president to lead the Undergraduate Real Estate Club (UREC) through the 2026 calendar year. Curtis, who grew up in Charlotte, will work alongside incumbent co-president Kate Dailey, whose term ends in May. We spoke with Fletcher, who is majoring in Business Administration with a focus in real estate, to learn more about how he hopes to make an impact on UREC in the coming year.

Why are you passionate about commercial real estate? 

Growing up in Charlotte, I was surrounded by constant development and saw firsthand how real estate shapes everyday life through the places people live, eat, work, and build community. I became interested in the fact that behind every project are decisions that influence how a city grows and how people move through it. When looking at the real estate industry, I believe there’s something meaningful about working in an industry where the results of your effort become part of the places people rely on every day.

When I got to UNC, I came in with an interest in real estate and was blown away by the number of resources available as soon as I stepped onto campus, including the Undergraduate Real Estate Club, the Wood Center, and a network of alumni who are invested in helping students succeed.

Why are you a part of the Undergraduate Real Estate Club? How do you believe it benefits Real Estate students? 

I’m involved in UREC because it’s the easiest and most effective way for undergraduates at UNC to break into real estate. The club offers everything from guest speakers and networking events to case competitions, career treks, and mentorship. So, whether you’re a student just curious about the industry or already know you want to pursue it, there’s something for you.

One thing I really value is the club’s accessibility. The club is not application-based, which means anyone can show up, get involved, and start learning regardless of experience or grade level. Being affiliated with the Wood Center also gives us resources and support that most student organizations don’t have, which expands the opportunities we can provide to students.

What is your vision for the club during your term? 

My vision for the club during my term is to continue expanding the resources and opportunities available to undergraduate students interested in real estate. I hope to further strengthen the club’s programming by bringing in more industry professionals and alumni, while also continuing to grow the broader UREC network.

I also want to ensure that younger students have earlier exposure to the industry and a clearer understanding of recruiting timelines, preparation, and the formal application process. As roles at top firms become increasingly competitive, helping students understand the landscape earlier will position them for strong job opportunities.

You are coming in the second semester of your co-president’s term. What qualities about you and your co-president do you believe will make you a good team to lead UREC together?

Working alongside Kate over the past two months has been a great experience. We’re aligned in our vision for the club and continue to create valuable resources and opportunities for networking. She is incredibly organized and detail-oriented, which keeps the club running smoothly. We communicate constantly, divide responsibilities as needed, and support each other to ensure the club operates at a high level.

How do you believe you can positively impact the UNC Kenan-Flagler Real Estate Community? 

I believe I can positively impact the UNC real estate community by being accessible to students and helping them navigate the early stages of the industry. Breaking into real estate often comes with a steep learning curve, and having people who are willing to share their experiences and mentor underclassmen can make a meaningful difference.

I hope to serve as a resource for younger students by sharing insights from my own recruiting experience, helping them understand different roles and firms, and providing guidance as they begin preparing for internships and careers in the industry.

How do you plan to foster connectedness between class years both formally and informally?

An important part of UREC is our formal mentorship program, which pairs underclassmen with upperclassmen based on shared industry interests. This allows younger students to have a mentor they can turn to for guidance while also encouraging leadership and commitment from upperclassmen.

Because real estate offers opportunities across a very long recruiting timeline, our meetings, career treks, and networking events bring freshmen through seniors together in ways that feel relevant to everyone. Those shared experiences allow for relationships to be built across class years.

Who has been a mentor or inspiration for you in real estate, and why?

A major mentor and source of inspiration for me in the real estate industry is my grandfather. He worked as a broker for many years in the Piedmont Triad area, and as long as I can remember, I’ve heard stories about the properties he worked on, each one with its own unique story. Listening to him talk about his experiences gave me an early appreciation for the industry and the relationships necessary to close deals. He’s a big reason why I decided to pursue a career in real estate.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years? 

In five years, I see myself working in New York City within the real estate industry. I will be interning in real estate investment banking at Evercore, where I will gain exposure to the advisory side of the business across both public and private markets. Over time, I could see myself transitioning into an investing role where I would work directly on the acquisition or ownership of real estate assets. That said, real estate is a broad industry with many different paths, and I’m excited to continue learning and exploring as I gain more experience.

If someone is interested in joining the club, how can they get involved? 

Anyone interested in joining UREC is welcome to attend our weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Bell Hall. Joining the GroupMe is the best way to stay up to date on events and room updates. You’re also welcome to reach out to me directly with any questions or contact the club at unc_realestateclub@unc.edu.