07/23/2026
Can a first-grade field trip help shape your future career?
For Allen-Stevenson alumnus Matthew Schnitzer ’13, the answer is yes.
A tour of the newly constructed Yankee Stadium first sparked his fascination with the people who bring massive projects to life. Then, Allen-Stevenson’s own building project became part of the curriculum, giving Matthew an up-close look at the construction process while his own school was taking shape. Together, those experiences helped him follow his curiosity to a passion that he lives and breathes today.
This week, Matthew welcomed our Young Alumni Interns to Hines for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of real estate development. The group learned how a project moves from concept to completion—bringing together investors, architects, engineers, construction managers, and countless others to transform an idea into a thriving community. They also heard how neighborhoods like Hudson Square have evolved over the past decade into vibrant places to live, work, and gather.
Matthew shared that what he loves most about his work is the balance of left-brain and right-brain thinking: solving complex financial and logistical challenges while collaborating with architects and designers to shape the built environment. But perhaps his most valuable advice had nothing to do with buildings. He encouraged our interns to stay curious, work hard, and seek out mentors who are willing to invest in their growth.
Thank you, Matthew, for showing our interns that careers often begin with curiosity—and that one meaningful experience can inspire a lifetime of possibilities.
