Michael, Project Director at PATH Ventures: Advize Career Interview
A career in affordable housing development offers a dynamic and impactful path, as evidenced by a Project Director at PATH Ventures.
The career journey began with extensive volunteer work and culminated in a Master's degree, showcasing a commitment to community service.
The role itself involves multifaceted responsibilities, from securing funding and managing construction to leasing units and engaging with the community.
A typical day is described as fast-paced and varied, requiring organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to navigate complex projects and political landscapes.
Success in this field depends on optimism, a long-term perspective, and strong problem-solving abilities.
Entry-level opportunities exist, even without prior experience, with roles such as assistant project manager or admin assistant providing valuable stepping stones.
The most significant career lesson learned involves proactively addressing challenges, anticipating problems, and offering solutions.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect is having a significant, positive impact on the community, transforming lives and neighborhoods.
Mastering skills like Microsoft Excel and fostering a passion for community service during undergraduate studies are highly beneficial.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Michael Busse
Project Director
PATH Ventures
Loyola Marymount University, 2016
UCLA Master's of Urban and Regional Planning
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Entrepreneurship
Nonprofit
Real Estate
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ
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Career Path of a Project Director at PATH Ventures
Michael's career path, beginning with extensive extracurricular involvement at Loyola Marymount University including volunteer work at "a domestic violence shelter" and "a food pantry," and culminating in a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA, reflects a consistent commitment to community service within the affordable housing sector; this commitment led to a progression from volunteer work and internships to a Project Director position at PATH Ventures, leveraging "public policy and navigating bureaucracy" skills developed through experience.
Main Responsibilities of a Project Director at PATH Ventures
Michael, a Project Director at PATH Ventures, acts as a "real estate developer" for a non-profit, overseeing projects from "year zero to completion," a process spanning up to six years. This involves securing funding through diverse channels, including "city, county, state, bank, and investor," managing construction, and ultimately leasing units to individuals in need of housing.
A Day in the Life of a Project Director at PATH Ventures
A Project Director at PATH Ventures acts as "the conductor of an orchestra," overseeing numerous complex tasks across various teams—from coordinating with architects on utility requirements and civil engineers on site preparation to collaborating with social services on staffing needs and the community engagement team on outreach strategies. The role demands meticulous tracking of timelines, funding, and expenditures to successfully transform "an empty piece of land into a beautiful building."
Most Important Skills for a Project Director at PATH Ventures
For a project manager in real estate development, "staying organized" is paramount due to the numerous details requiring attention, as even small errors can significantly impact project success. Equally crucial are the abilities to "ask the right questions" to understand diverse specialists and communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals, from bankers to construction workers, adapting communication styles as needed.
Favorite Parts of Being a Project Director at PATH Ventures
Michael, a Project Director at PATH Ventures, thrives on the unpredictable nature of his role, enjoying "no two days [being] the same" as he juggles projects in various stages, from initial planning to loan payoff. This variety, coupled with the intersection of business, public policy, and urban planning within nonprofit real estate development, allows Michael to utilize a diverse skillset and constantly evolve their professional experience.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Project Director at PATH Ventures
Michael's biggest challenge as a Project Director at PATH Ventures involves navigating the "politicized" nature of affordable housing funding, which creates intense competition among nonprofits despite shared goals. This is further complicated by combating misinformation surrounding homelessness, requiring consistent communication efforts to emphasize that "homelessness is a housing issue" and build community support for their housing development projects.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Nonprofit Real Estate Development Industry As a Project Director
Michael, a Project Director at PATH Ventures, finds the most rewarding aspect of nonprofit real estate development is "hav[ing] a big impact on [the] community," particularly the moment when families receive keys to their new homes, signifying a life-changing impact that extends to entire neighborhoods for decades to come.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Affordable Housing Development Industry According To A Project Director At PATH Ventures
To thrive in affordable housing real estate development, a person needs "optimism" and the ability to maintain "the long view" amidst numerous roadblocks, requiring both a positive mentality and strong organizational skills to balance passion with the necessary "hard skills." Success in this field demands a resilient and detail-oriented approach capable of navigating complex projects.
What a Project Director at PATH Ventures Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Real Estate Development Industry
Michael, a Project Director at PATH Ventures, advises aspiring project managers to "expect things to go wrong," as unforeseen problems are inherent to the industry and should not be taken personally. This acceptance, he explains, will alleviate stress and allow one to focus on problem-solving rather than self-criticism, ultimately leading to a more successful and less stressful career.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Project Directors
Entry-level opportunities in development exist for undergraduates, even without prior experience; Michael's own career trajectory, starting with "basically the same thing that I'm doing now, um, just with fewer projects and with less, uh, decision making responsibility," illustrates this, with roles like assistant project manager or admin assistant providing valuable experience before potential further education.
Significant Career Lesson From a Project Director at PATH Ventures
Michael's most significant career lesson involves proactively learning the job above them, "figuring out what they're stressed about" and alleviating workload to become more valuable; this approach, coupled with independently problem-solving before seeking help – presenting "two or three solutions" – has fueled significant career growth.
College Experiences That Helped a Project Director at PATH Ventures Succeed
Michael's undergraduate experience significantly shaped their career; mastering Microsoft Excel, as they put it, "made my job so much easier," while consistent volunteering fostered a "passion for [their] community" and a deeper understanding of social responsibility, ultimately influencing their career path.
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