Vice President, Commercial Divisionwingert Real Estate Company
Saadia Sheikh is passionate about real estate. Just a few years after graduating from the Jindal School, her passion for the industry translated into a thriving career. She serves as vice president at a large real estate brokerage firm in Dallas. While a student, Sheikh sought advice from her professors regarding her professional development and her interest in real estate. Today she continues to seek their feedback, as her Jindal School education remains relevant in her real estate career and the business world.
Tell us the highlights of your professional career. What are your proudest achievements?
Since my graduation from the Jindal School, my career has blossomed. A few of the most important highlights include receiving a promotion within my firm, being selected as a board member for the North Texas Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Institute, an industry organization, and managing and directing several major commercial real estate transactions for my firm.In my professional life, this past April after two years of preparation, I successfully earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) certification. A Certified Commercial Investment Member is a recognized expert in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate. It was a goal of mine to obtain this certification early in my career, and I am proud of the hard work I put toward reaching this goal.In my personal life, I raised $13,000.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in one year.
What brought you to UT Dallas?
Initially, I chose to attend UT Dallas because of the convenient campus location. At the time, I was living in McKinney, Texas, and UT Dallas is centrally located. After my first semester, I quickly realized that the Jindal School is an outstanding academic institution, and deciding to attend UT Dallas was one of the best decisions I have made. I truly loved my experience at the Jindal School and value the quality education I received.
What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?
Honestly, my favorite UT Dallas memory is from my graduation. That day was amazing and bittersweet at the same time since graduation marked the end of my college experience. It was wonderful to share that day sitting among many of my classmates and peers.
Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Effective Management in Today’s Business Environment (BA 4380) with Charles Hazzard, professor of organizations, strategy and international management at the Jindal School. Professor Hazzard was very clear and concise in his teachings and would provide valuable, one-on-one feedback. I took his class during my final semester, and his feedback influenced my decision to continue to seek his professional critique and input even after I graduated.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy being active, playing sports and traveling. Some of my favorite activities are running, boxing and indoor volleyball. It is a goal of mine to travel at least one weekend out of the month, even if it means driving somewhere within the state or catching a flight.The Jindal School recently developed innovative real estate concentrations at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to prepare the next generation of industry leaders.
What advice do you have for current students hoping to succeed in the business world?
My advice for current students is to discover what you are passionate about in the business world. This needs to be something that you truly love. Then take that passion and push it beyond your perceived capabilities. It will take you further than you ever imagined.
What makes an effective leader?
An effective leader is someone with an identified personal and professional purpose. A leader who has a clear and concise purpose will be the positive change an organization needs.
