M
argaux D.K.'s journey into real estate was sparked by a childhood spent touring homes with her parents in France. "I grew up surrounded by the possibility of transformation," she recalls, "where every space had potential for renovation and rebirth." This early exposure to the power of real estate ignited a passion that would eventually lead her to study finance and real estate at Wharton.

    As a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, Margaux has discovered the depth and breadth of real estate, from urban planning to fiscal policies. "It's not just about being a broker," she notes, "but about understanding the complex interplay between architecture, economics, and community development." Through her coursework and extracurricular activities, including co-presidency of the Wharton Undergraduate Real Estate Club, Margaux has gained a comprehensive view of the industry.

    Margaux's summer internships have provided hands-on experience in various aspects of real estate. She began with real estate development in New York City, then moved on to a French hotel chain expanding into the US market, and most recently landed an internship at Goldman Sachs in New York. These experiences, combined with mentorship from Wharton alumni, helped her identify her sweet spot: real estate private equity.

    In this field, investors pool money to buy, renovate, and sell properties. Margaux is drawn to the indirect investing side, where fund managers purchase existing buildings, improve them, and then resell or develop new ones. "It's a numbers game," she says, "and I love working with Excel to analyze data and build financial models." Her passion for math and problem-solving has been a driving force in her career.

    Margaux's journey has also taken her on international treks with the Wharton Undergraduate Real Estate Club, where she met industry experts and toured iconic properties like the Burj Khalifa. These experiences have given her a global perspective on real estate trends and the impact of macroeconomic factors on the market. As a private equity analyst at Goldman Sachs, Margaux is now responsible for analyzing investment opportunities and guiding decision-making.

    Despite the complexity of finance, Margaux emphasizes the importance of human connection in her work. "It's not just about numbers," she says, "but about understanding people and communities." Her team at Goldman Sachs has become a second family to her, and she appreciates the tangible impact of their investments on shaping neighborhoods and communities.

    As Margaux looks to the future, she is excited to continue exploring the intersection of finance, real estate, and community development. "I feel lucky to be in this industry," she says, "where I can combine my passions for math, problem-solving, and people."