Frank Byrd (second to last on right) with his project team from the USC Ross Minority Program in Real Estate. (Photo: Courtesy of Ross Program)
USC Executive Master of Urban Planning (EMUP) alum Frank Byrd recently began working as the coordinator of unit acquisitions for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). Originally a scholar of philosophy and fine arts, Byrd shifted his studies to the real estate and urban planning sector during the pandemic.
Seeking to expand his knowledge in the field, Byrd completed a Certificate of Completion for the USC Ross Minority Program in Real Estate during 2020. From there, Byrd sought to become more knowledgeable on real estate development, leading him to apply for the Executive Master of Urban Planning Program at USC Price. The online modality allowed him to work full-time and balance his coursework.
When looking back on his tenure at USC Price, Frank says one word immediately comes to mind: dynamic. Attracting accomplished professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, the master’s program merges urban planning and real estate development, preparing students to become catalysts for more equitable and sustainable cities in the public, nonprofit and private sectors.
I wanted to see what was out there when I completed this degree, and it was really the major change on my resume. Within a few weeks after the program, I had five different interviews with different entities: cities, real estate nonprofits, real estate developers…
Frank Byrd ’22
Byrd’s advice? Be open to the possibilities. “[The program] can set you on a different path, if you’re open and willing to learn and grow.” The USC Price Executive Master of Urban Planning can offer the exposure to an interdisciplinary education that provides future leaders with opportunities in new sectors.
