Riya Avaiya
April 18, 2025

Graduation Year: May 2025
Major: Management (Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology) and Marketing (Digital Marketing Strategy)
Company and Position: I will be joining CoStar as a Research Consultant. I picked EIT because I envisioned myself one day running my own business and leading an organization. While I wasn’t sure what career path it would lead to at first, the major gave me the mindset and skills to explore a wide range of opportunities.
Internship Location: CoStar’s office is located in Richmond, Virginia. I’m excited to be part of a leading commercial real estate information company and to work in an environment focused on innovation and data.
Recruitment Process: I found all of my internships—including this one—through LinkedIn. Staying active on the platform, applying strategically, and being persistent helped me break into the commercial real estate space.
Looking Forward To: I’m eager to dive into the deal investment process and gain a deeper understanding of how data drives real estate decisions. This role is a great next step in my path toward a future in commercial development.
Advice: Whether you want to be a team leader, project manager, or executive, the communication, decision-making, and strategic thinking skills you learn in management apply across every industry.
Recommended Student: Someone who is curious, resilient, and eager to grow. Real estate is fast-moving, and success often comes to those who are willing to seek mentorship, ask questions, and adapt to change.
Favorite Part of Pamplin: The Management faculty—hands down. I was fortunate to build strong relationships with several professors who became an incredible support system for me throughout my time at Virginia Tech.
Mentor or Inspiration: Professor Poff and Professor Deck were especially influential, providing both guidance and encouragement during my journey.