What does the transition from college to a fast-paced corporate career really look like? For Dean V. White Real Estate Scholars, that question came to life on March 26 during an intimate dinner with Claire Gertsmeier.
Gertsmeier, a 2022 Purdue finance graduate and current real estate finance senior analyst at McDonald’s, joined students for an informal conversation about her career path and day-to-day responsibilities. Drawing from her recent experience, she offered practical, relatable insights on navigating the shift from college to a full-time role.
Throughout the evening, students engaged in candid discussion — asking questions about her work in Chicago, the challenges of starting out and the skills that matter most early in a career. Because she was in their position just a few years ago, Gertsmeier’s perspective resonated, helping students better understand what to expect after graduation.
The dinner is part of an exclusive professional development series for Dean V. White Real Estate Scholars, designed to connect students with industry professionals and prepare them for leadership roles in commercial real estate. Experiences like this extend learning beyond the classroom, offering direct exposure to real-world career paths and industry insights.
