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Hayden, Land Acquisition Project Manager at D.R. Horton: Advize Career Interview
A career in land acquisition project management at D.R. Horton, as detailed by a seasoned professional, offers a dynamic blend of office and field work, encompassing market analysis, detailed reporting, and extensive communication with diverse stakeholders.
Early internships, even in seemingly unrelated fields, can unexpectedly shape a career path, as this professional's journey illustrates.
Strong communication, teamwork, and patience are crucial, with a rewarding aspect being the contribution to providing affordable housing. The industry is collaborative and supportive, yet demands adaptability and organizational skills.
Entry-level positions exist as land acquisition analysts or project managers, emphasizing data analysis.
Success in this field is built upon a foundation of continuous learning, embracing failure, and actively fostering relationships – from undergraduate studies to leveraging networks in diverse industries.
The long timelines require patience, but the opportunity to contribute to the crucial process of providing housing makes it a fulfilling and impactful career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Hayden Berson
Land Acquisition Project Manager
D.R. Horton
California Polytechnic State University
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Environmental & Related Sciences
Real Estate
Real Estate
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Career Path Of A Land Acquisition Project Manager At D.R. Horton
Hayden's career path began with early internships, including one at a family law firm and later at Dick's Sporting Goods, which helped them realize their interests lay elsewhere. Following internships in architecture and then construction with D.R. Horton, where they "spent most of [their] time out in the field," Hayden found their passion in land acquisition, leading to their current role as a Land Acquisition Project Manager.
Main Responsibilities of a Land Acquisition Project Manager at D.R. Horton
Hayden's role as a Land Acquisition Project Manager at D.R. Horton involves extensive communication—"with landowners, city officials, brokers, and team members"—and detailed market analysis to inform land purchase decisions. This includes understanding city growth plans "40 years down the line" and "underwriting deals," combining data from various departments to determine a suitable land acquisition price.
A Day In The Life Of A Land Acquisition Project Manager At D.R. Horton
A Land Acquisition Project Manager's day is a mix of office work ("a lot of emails, a lot of calls, uh, data analysis") and field work, meeting with brokers and city officials, with the time split varying greatly depending on project needs; the position requires deep understanding of land acquisition reports and the entitlement process.
Most Important Skills for a Land Acquisition Project Manager at D.R. Horton
Hayden, a Land Acquisition Project Manager, emphasizes that strong communication and teamwork are crucial for success, stating that "it's a bunch of teams and a bunch of people all coming together." The long timelines and relationship-building required in the field also necessitate significant patience, as deals can take "two to five to 10 years" to fruition.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Land Acquisition Project Manager At D.R. Horton
Hayden, a Land Acquisition Project Manager at D.R. Horton, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role is contributing to "providing housing," specifically entry-level homes for first-time buyers. This focus on making homeownership accessible fuels Hayden's passion for the work, highlighting a commitment to affordable housing within the industry.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Land Acquisition Project Manager At D.R. Horton
Hayden's biggest challenge as a Land Acquisition Project Manager at D.R. Horton is maintaining schedule and organization, a struggle they've always faced. This necessitates continuous self-improvement, drawing inspiration from colleagues ("take bits and pieces of everyone around you") to discover effective organizational strategies.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Homebuilding Industry as a Land Acquisition Project Manager
Hayden, a Land Acquisition Project Manager, finds the tight-knit nature of the industry most rewarding, stating that "everyone's happy to help" and share advice, even competitors. This collaborative environment fosters strong relationships, crucial for a career where future collaborations are likely.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Real Estate Industry, According To A Land Acquisition Project Manager At D.R. Horton
Hayden, a Land Acquisition Project Manager, highlights adaptability as crucial for success in the industry, stating that "you never know what's gonna be thrown at you." The ability to "learn, change, and pivot quickly" amidst numerous deals and opportunities is key to thriving in this dynamic field.
What a Land Acquisition Project Manager at D.R. Horton Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Real Estate Industry
Hayden, a Land Acquisition Project Manager, advises aspiring professionals to "figure out something that works for you" in terms of organization and to cultivate patience, as land deals can take "a couple of years" to close. The long timelines involved highlight a crucial aspect of the career that is not always apparent initially.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Land Acquisition Project Managers
Hayden, a Land Acquisition Project Manager at D.R. Horton, highlights "land acquisition analyst" and "project manager" as primary entry-level roles, emphasizing their data-driven nature and comprehensive learning opportunities. The interview also notes the significant need for skilled labor in "construction trades," presenting this as a consistently in-demand career path.
Significant Career Lesson From a Land Acquisition Project Manager at D.R. Horton
Hayden's most significant career lesson, learned from Cal Poly's "learn by doing" philosophy, is to embrace failure and actively seek guidance: "Don't be afraid to fail and don't be afraid to ask questions," because continuous improvement requires learning from mistakes and leveraging the support of colleagues.
College Experiences That Helped A Land Acquisition Project Manager At D.R. Horton Succeed
Hayden's undergraduate success stemmed from actively building relationships—"making relationships with friends, classmates, teachers"—and collaborative learning through teamwork and study groups, skills directly applicable to their current role as a Land Acquisition Project Manager. The small-world nature of their industry highlights the long-term value of maintaining positive relationships, as Hayden now calls on "friends that are in agricultural businesses" for land deals.
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