This research project started with a simple question that’s been on my mind since I decided to pursue a career in real estate: Which investment path—commercial or residential—is smarter for long-term success? I’ve always been interested in how real estate works as both a business and a wealth-building strategy, so when the chance came to explore this topic in depth, I knew it was the right fit. This paper wasn’t just about checking off a requirement—it was about diving into something real and relevant to my future goals.

The journey from idea to final paper had its challenges, but each step helped me grow. First, I spent time exploring scholarly sources and market data to really understand the core differences between commercial and residential real estate. I learned how to build an argument based on credible research, and I took care to structure the paper around key areas like lease structure, cash flow, tenant stability, and scalability. One of the most valuable moments came during revision, when I had to clarify complex ideas like economic resilience and risk. Turning detailed financial concepts into something readable and persuasive took time, but it taught me how to balance clarity with depth.

After completing the research paper, I moved on to preparing my poster and getting ready for the mock academic conference. This is where I fell short. While the research itself was strong, I realized during the presentation that I wasn’t as prepared to speak about it as I should have been. I let my nerves get the best of me, and I struggled to clearly communicate my ideas under pressure. It was frustrating because I had spent so much time developing the content—but I learned that having solid research doesn’t automatically mean you’ll deliver it well unless you practice and build confidence in presenting.

This experience helped me recognize that presentation is just as important as research, especially in business and professional settings. Going forward, I’m shifting more of my focus toward improving how I present myself and my work. I want to get more comfortable speaking in front of others, organizing my thoughts quickly, and engaging my audience with clarity and confidence. These are skills I know I’ll need in real estate, whether I’m pitching a deal, explaining a project, or meeting with clients.

Overall, this project taught me more than just facts about real estate—it helped me grow academically and personally. I’m proud of the work I did on the paper, and now I’m motivated to match that strength in my presentation skills. This experience reminded me that learning isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about how well you can share it.

This reflection section focuses on the writing and learning process behind my research paper, “Why Commercial Real Estate is a Better Investment than Residential Real Estate.” This project was especially important to me because it connected directly to my long-term career goals in the real estate field. The assignment allowed me to dig deeper into a topic I care about while also meeting the academic expectations of a formal research paper.

As I worked through the stages of this project—from proposal to bibliography to final draft—I learned how to research more effectively, write for a specific audience, and revise with purpose. Each reflection in this section connects to a key course objective and shows how I applied those skills to complete a polished and well-supported argument. Whether I was evaluating sources, adjusting tone for an academic audience, or reworking sections based on feedback, I treated this project as both a professional learning experience and a chance to improve as a writer.