On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Fallston High School’s Business Education department opened doors for its students to gain firsthand exposure to the real estate world. Through the Real Estate Job Shadowing Day, students were able to step outside of the classroom and learn directly from professionals about a career that impacts communities and the economy.
Auggie McCarthy, an 11th-grade student in the business program, shared her experience about the day. “I had the opportunity to learn a variety of aspects in the real estate industry, from the technical sides of real estate—marketing to sales to building client relationships,” she explained. She added that observing a Zoom call with Zillow helped her understand the how-to’s of pricing, advertising, strategies, and contracts in real estate transactions.
“That day was one of the most valuable lessons that no classroom could have taught me,” explained Joey Seman, who was another student present. “[His] firsthand experience in the real world taught [him] how as an agent, need to have social skills, empathy, and understanding with all of your clients in order to be successful.” Joey also added how watching the professionals handle tricky situations with clients and deals made him realize that being creative and flexible is key to success. He explained how the day gave him real-world lessons and inspired him to feel more confident and excited about a career in real estate.
The Business Education Department is able to link classroom lessons to real-world experiences by providing hands-on experiences for students. The department stands out for its rigorous courses, hands-on activities, and student participation in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) events.
Looking ahead, the department will transition to the National Academy of Finance (NAF) for the 2025-2026 school year. This change will include a wider focus on fields like real estate, insurance, finance, and entrepreneurship, and further preparing students for life after high school. With opportunities like job shadowing, mentorships, and internships becoming more prominent, the Academy of Finance is set to bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
The students and faculty at Fallston High are already experiencing the benefits of these programs, with a similar Insurance Industry Job Shadowing Day having taken place in October. The Academy of Finance promises to continue igniting student aspirations while building their professional and industry-specific skills.
