Curious about real estate? Meet the club opening doors to the industry

Real estate is much more than buying and selling properties, raising questions about how the industry works, what opportunities it offers, and how finance, marketing, and development come together to shape the places where we live and work. These are just some of the questions Jakov Svilokos, a senior Global Business Management student and founder and president of the Real Estate Club, hopes to help students explore.

Jakov founded the Real Estate Club to give students a place to learn about an industry he hopes to build his career in, particularly in development. “Real estate is built on something everyone needs: a place to live,” he explains.

The club has more than 50 members interested in different areas of real estate, from development to investment. “Anyone can join, even without previous experience, as long as they’re curious and eager to learn,” says Jakov. The club helps students understand the industry, connect with professionals, and explore which area interests them most.

People are happy to help when you just ask

To help students explore these possibilities, the club organizes lectures with industry professionals, case studies, workshops, company visits, and networking opportunities. These activities offer a practical introduction to the field and help members discover the different paths available to them.

“A lot of students are curious about real estate but don't yet know which part fits them,” Jakov says. By exploring different areas, students can better understand their options before deciding where they want to focus. Members can also suggest topics, speakers, and formats, helping shape the club's future activities.

Running the club has also given Jakov the opportunity to apply what he has learned at RIT Croatia. His studies in Global Business Management have helped him develop the planning, organizational, and teamwork skills needed to coordinate activities and work with the club's leadership team. Beyond industry knowledge, the experience has helped Jakov strengthen his communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. It has also taught him the value of reaching out to professionals and learning from their experience. “You’d be surprised how many people are happy to help when you just ask,” he says.

The club's next steps include an introductory lecture, followed by case studies for its most motivated members. Jakov also hopes to organize company visits and eventually take the club beyond Croatia to explore how the industry works in other countries.

For students wondering whether real estate is worth exploring, Jakov believes the answer goes beyond having a specific career goal. “Real estate touches everything, from finance to marketing to law,” he explains. Whether students already have an interest in the industry or are simply curious to learn something new, the club offers a place to explore ideas, meet like-minded people, and discover opportunities they may not have considered before.