I
an Burns, a senior on the University of Michigan men's basketball team, is set to graduate with a Bachelor's of Business Administration from the Ross School of Business in the spring. He plans to pursue a career in real estate, a passion he developed at a young age due to his exposure to various people working in the field. Burns' interest in real estate was shaped by mentors, family members, and teachers who sparked conversations that piqued his interest.

    During his time at Ross, Burns gained invaluable experience through a real estate internship in Chicago last summer. He worked with a small operator in the suburbs, learning how to underwrite properties and performing market research for acquisition projects. This experience has led him to consider pursuing a career on the private equity side of real estate in cities like Chicago or New York.

    Burns appreciates the people he's met at Ross, particularly his professors who have provided guidance and support throughout his academic journey. He values the program's focus on group projects, which allowed him to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and interests. Burns believes that this experience has been instrumental in shaping his leadership skills and preparing him for a career in real estate.

    As a senior on the team, Burns has taken on a leadership role and is committed to supporting his teammates, particularly underclassmen and freshmen who are new to college basketball. He aims to use his knowledge and experience to help them adjust to life at Michigan and thrive as student-athletes.

    Burns' time at Michigan has been filled with many fond memories, including competing in March Madness during his freshman year. He cherishes the sense of community that exists on campus, where everyone looks out for one another despite intense internal competition. As he prepares to graduate, Burns emphasizes the importance of utilizing the support network provided by the university and surrounding oneself with the right people who can help them succeed.

    For incoming student-athletes at Michigan, Burns advises them to balance their academic and social lives while taking advantage of the resources available to them. He also stresses the significance of networking and finding people who will look out for their best interests, whether in basketball or in their future careers.