Bill Ray
Master’s in Real Estate and the Built Environment
Hometown: Broomfield, Colorado
Email me with questions about Master’s in Real Estate and the Built Environment.
Why did you choose Daniels
Being raised in Colorado and attending school in Massachusetts made me realize there’s nowhere I’d rather live than Colorado. With a desire to get into real estate and do business in Colorado, Daniels’ Real Estate and the Built Environment program was my first choice due to its strong alumni network and ties to the Colorado market. Still, I had some reservations about returning to school. However, since enrolling, I’ve become friends with classmates who are engaging to work with, learned from inspiring professors, networked with industry professionals with the coolest jobs and eaten free food at more events than I can count. So far, my experience has made me incredibly grateful to have taken the leap and gone to DU.
Previous Education
I have a BS and an MS in computer science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Pre-Grad School Experience
Previously, while I was a student studying computer science, I completed several summer tech internships, before working full-time as a machine learning engineer after graduating. During that time, I became increasingly optimistic about the productivity gains those new technologies, mainly AI, could unlock. I decided the best place to take advantage of this technological shift was to be a computer scientist in a field devoid of computer scientists, so I left my job and applied to Daniels’ MS REBE program.
Post Grad School Goal
My goal is to apply my technical background to the real estate field. When I first enrolled at DU, I was set on becoming an acquisitions analyst because I viewed it as a way to learn by doing and an opportunity to apply my data science skills. However, Daniels has enabled me to meet people working in many different roles, which has opened my eyes to more possibilities. I am also seeing many opportunities for innovation, specifically in creating software and data analysis tools. I look forward to the rest of my journey at Daniels, and I’m keeping an eye out for opportunities.
Hobbies
When I’m not studying or working, I love rock climbing, skiing and playing board games—all made better with friends.