<p><span class="p-body">Melissa Green never planned on a career in commercial real estate finance. With a background in psychology, a BA from Vassar, and an MA from NYU, she started her career in human resources. But an unexpected turn changed everything.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&quot;I fell into commercial real estate banking by accident,&quot; she says. &quot;I was designing special compensation programs for real estate lenders at a major bank, and due to a corporate restructure, my job was eliminated. The head of real estate liked the work I was doing and offered me a spot in the credit training program.&quot; That opportunity launched a 35-year career as a lender, portfolio manager, credit officer, and workout specialist.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">After decades in the field, Green transitioned into teaching—almost by accident as well. &quot;I started teaching at NYU SPS about 13 years ago, initially subbing for someone who had to leave town unexpectedly,&quot; she recalls. &quot;I loved the classroom experience and kept going.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">She was drawn NYU SPS, where students are often working professionals looking to advance their careers. &quot;They bring fresh perspectives to an industry I’ve been in for a long time,&quot; she says. &quot;Teaching also forces me to stay current in commercial real estate, which I love.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Green’s courses in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/mortgage-finance-and-underwriting.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Mortgage Finance and Underwriting</a> program bridge academic fundamentals with real-world applications. &quot;The credit training I received was a combination of case studies and classroom subjects—accounting, financial analysis, special real estate topics—and I try to replicate that in a six-week course,&quot; she explains.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">She brings in real-life examples, interviews with industry experts, and case studies on topics like tax incentives and affordable housing. &quot;When discussing tax issues, I bring in changes in the 421a program. We talk about affordable housing, and I’ve added an interview with the former chief credit officer of CPC,&quot; she says.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Mortgage finance is constantly evolving, especially in a city like New York. Green shares, &quot;NYU is a leader in real estate education, and this certificate program has a great deal of credibility in the industry. It offers real education in subjects that might not be available to students on the job.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Make your mark on real estate finance when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/mortgage-finance-and-underwriting.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Mortgage Finance and Underwriting</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>