<p>Zair Cheema is a distinguished leader in real estate and infrastructure, known for steering complex projects from design to compliance with top-level quality across all functions. As a lifelong New Yorker and a dedicated enthusiast of NYU, it was always his dream to study here. His parents were huge fans of NYU, and out of four siblings, three are part of the Violet family.&nbsp;</p> <p>Cheema holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, both from NYU Tandon School of Engineering. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Urban Systems from the Department of Civil and Urban Engineering at NYU Tandon and conducts research at NYU's Center for Urban Science + Progress. Now he teaches within the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-real-estate-development.html" title="MS in Real Estate Development program">MS in Real Estate Development program</a>. We were thrilled to learn more about his background, his path to teaching, and his advice for students in the program.</p>

<p>Cheema's connection to academia has always been profound. Even after completing his undergraduate studies, he remained engaged with the academic community, viewing it as an endless journey of pursuing new interests and expanding his knowledge across various fields. &quot;Teaching at NYU SPS has been incredibly rewarding,&quot; says Cheema. &quot;I am committed to fostering a dynamic and enriching learning environment for all my students.&quot;</p> <p>Reflecting on his tenure at NYU, Cheema has come to appreciate the impact that education and academic institutions can have on achieving personal and professional goals. His experiences in management and team development highlighted the joy of mentoring and knowledge-sharing. Guest lecturing and professional seminars throughout the years have only deepened his dedication to teaching.</p> <p>&quot;What drives me now is the transformative effect I can have on my students' lives and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to both my institution and my community,&quot; Cheema explains.</p>

<p>At NYU’s <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/schack-institute-of-real-estate.html" title="Schack Institute of Real Estate">Schack Institute of Real Estate</a>, students benefit from a curriculum deeply integrated with real-world practices, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration in the real estate industry. The program has been instrumental in developing future leaders and project executives, offering them a comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics and needs.</p> <p>&quot;Students have benefited immensely from our scholar-practitioner model,&quot; Cheema notes. This approach is particularly effective due to access to one of the oldest and most esteemed real estate alumni networks and industry-focused educational events, providing valuable networking opportunities and facilitating a smoother transition into the industry.</p> <p>As a professor, Cheema finds the greatest reward in witnessing his students' growth and achievements. &quot;Seeing them reach career milestones and realize their dreams is incredibly fulfilling,&quot; he shares. His role involves helping students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills and equipping them with essential tools to adapt to the evolving demands of the industry.</p> <p>One of the challenges Cheema faces is keeping pace with rapid advancements in real estate and technology while meeting diverse student needs and learning styles. &quot;These efforts are vital in ensuring that our students receive a relevant, impactful education that prepares them for future success,&quot; he asserts.</p>

<p>Being “globally minded” means possessing an awareness and understanding of global trends, issues, diverse cultures, and cross-border perspectives. This is crucial in today's interconnected world and plays a significant role in shaping students' learning experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>His courses often feature case studies from various countries, guest speakers, and collaborations with global organizations.</p> <p>Cheema integrates his extensive knowledge and experience into the classroom by embedding practical insights and industry-specific expertise into the curriculum. &quot;I incorporate real-world case studies from my professional background and current industry examples to illustrate key concepts,&quot; he says, helping students see the practical applications of their theoretical learning.</p> <p>He regularly invites industry professionals for guest lectures, providing students with diverse perspectives and the latest information. Hands-on projects are designed to simulate real-world challenges, enhancing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.</p>

<p>Cheema encourages incoming students to stay curious and open-minded, engaging actively in class discussions, group projects, and networking events. He advises, &quot;Seek out real-world experiences through internships, field trips, and hands-on projects, as these are crucial for applying theoretical knowledge and gaining industry insights.&quot; Building relationships with peers, professors, and industry professionals is essential for enhancing learning and opening doors to opportunities.</p> <p>&quot;Our curriculum blends deep theoretical insights with practical experiences, ensuring that you gain a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry. We are excited to welcome you and support you every step of the way as you embark on this incredible journey,&quot; he shares.</p> <p>Are you ready to learn from leading experts in your field of study? Apply to the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-real-estate-development.html" title="MS in Real Estate Development program at NYU SPS">MS in Real Estate Development program at NYU SPS</a> and step into the epicenter of global real estate today.</p>