Sanderford Speaker Series Featuring Greystar

On September 16, 2024, the White Ruffin Byron Center for Real Estate hosted Abby McConnell (Manager, Early Careers), Cameron Thompson (C&A ’22, Analyst, Investment Acquisitions), and Morgan Lineberry (Comm ’19, Associate, Investment Strategy & Research) from Greystar as part of the fall Sanderford Speaker Series program. The evening provided a comprehensive overview of Greystar’s history, global investment footprint, business units, a day in the life of a Greystar Analyst (Development & Investment), their rotational internship program, and their full-time hiring process. More than 100 undergraduate and graduate students from across UVA attended the event, which included pizza from Mellow Mushroom and a half-hour of networking with the Greystar attendees and each other before the talk.

Greystar’s Global Footprint and Business Units

Greystar prides itself on its extensive global presence and entrepreneurial spirit. With over 25,800 employees across 66 offices in 249 cities worldwide, the firm manages nearly 1,000,000 units. This vast network allows Greystar to leverage substantial data and analytics to interpret current market trends and inform its strategy. Despite its size, Greystar maintains an entrepreneurial feel, with about 22,000 onsite team members driving innovation and growth.

Diverse Product Offerings

Greystar’s portfolio includes a range of product types, such as multifamily, student housing, and 55+ communities. This diversity enables the company to meet various market needs and capitalize on different opportunities.

Strategic Advantages

• Operational Excellence: Greystar excels in building and supporting operating businesses, ensuring robust performance across its portfolio.
• Global Reach: With touchpoints worldwide, Greystar is uniquely positioned to service a diverse customer base.
• Network and Reputation: Greystar’s extensive network and reputation allow it to engage in numerous off-market deals, reducing reliance on brokers.

Internship and Career Opportunities

The event also highlighted Greystar’s rotational internship program and full-time hiring process, offering a glimpse into a day in the life of a Greystar Analyst in Development & Investment. This program is designed to cultivate early careers and integrate new talent into the firm’s dynamic environment.