Sam Bass (GRA’25) on Global Learning, Career Preparation, and the Power of Community

As the spring semester comes to a close, Georgetown McDonough is pleased to commemorate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025. We are proud to recognize their achievements as they embark on their next chapter as Hoya alumni. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting several of the exceptional students in the Class of 2025 as they share their personal stories, reflect on their time on the Hilltop, and preview what the future holds after commencement.

Sam Bass (GRA’25) made the most of his time in Georgetown’s M.S. in Global Real Assets (GRA) program, whether connecting with Nordic real estate leaders in Stockholm or sharpening his technical skills in the classroom. Along the way, he built lasting professional relationships and found mentors who helped guide his path. Here, Bass shares the lessons, memories, and people who defined his Georgetown experience and how he plans to carry them into his next chapter in real estate private equity.

What is your favorite memory or proudest moment from your time at Georgetown?

My favorite memory from my time at Georgetown was our Global Business Experience trip to Stockholm, Sweden. We had the opportunity to meet with numerous Nordic real estate companies to observe how they are at the forefront of creating a sustainable built environment. 

How do you plan to apply the skills you have learned at Georgetown in the next phase of your career?

Georgetown broadened my view of the investable real assets world and allowed me to hone my technical skills. I plan to use these to position myself competitively as I begin my career in real estate private equity.  

What is one of the most important lessons you have learned while at Georgetown?

The most important lesson I’ve learned at Georgetown is the importance of building and maintaining a professional network. Your network is everything in the real estate industry, and Georgetown has provided me with the resources to establish a strong network as I begin my career. 

Is there a particular person in the Georgetown community who has been instrumental to your success?

Professor Matt Cypher has been highly instrumental to my success at Georgetown. The value of his guidance both inside and outside the classroom cannot be overstated, and I attribute much of my ability to excel academically and professionally to him.

What are your post-graduate plans?

Following graduation, I will be moving to New York City to join Sitex Group, a real estate private equity firm focused on industrial assets. 

What advice would you give to the next class of Georgetown students?

I would encourage the next class of GRA students to be contributing members of their cohort, both in an academic setting and social setting. I also highly recommend leveraging the Steers Center for Global Real Assets alumni network as they navigate new coursework and explore various career paths.