Carson Fletcher

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

“Analytical and motivated, with a lighthearted attitude and love for the outdoors.”

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have been a USSF soccer referee since high school.

Undergraduate School and Major: Walla Walla University, Finance Major/Mathematics Minor

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Apex Real Estate Partners, Analyst

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Kenan-Flagler’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? What drew me to UNC Kenan-Flagler was the Wood Center for Real Estate Studies’ curriculum—deeply grounded in real-world application and industry relevance. UNC Kenan-Flagler’s expansive and influential alumni network in real estate remains closely connected to the school, providing students with invaluable mentorship and career opportunities. The faculty, many of whom bring decades of professional experience, enrich the classroom with real-life insights that bring the material to life. Their industry backgrounds not only strengthen the academic experience but also open doors to a powerful network of colleagues and connections that help students secure internships and launch successful careers.

What are some advantages you’ve seen in earning your MBA in Chapel Hill? Chapel Hill is located in a truly scenic part of the country. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, my wife and I appreciate being surrounded by trees, trails and wildlife. It feels familiar in the best way. What really stands out, though, is the sense of community. From the people at UNC Kenan-Flagler to the broader Chapel Hill area, there’s a genuine friendliness and down-to-earth culture that made us feel at home. After a couple of visits, it became clear that UNC Kenan-Flagler was the right fit—not just for my MBA, but for both of us.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Kenan-Flagler? One of the biggest draws of the program was the student-led real estate investment fund. It offers a rare, hands-on opportunity to evaluate and invest real capital in private market transactions. What sets it apart is the direct exposure to both sides of the deal—students engage not only with the numbers, but also with the investors and operators behind each project. That level of access provides an inside look at how deals come together and how decisions are made, making it an invaluable learning experience.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest career accomplishments has been the breadth of experience I gained at Apex Real Estate Partners, even amid a challenging commercial real estate market. As an analyst, I contributed to over 50 closed transactions across multiple asset classes—from the sale of a 50-unit apartment complex to a 30,000-square-foot office lease. That range of deal exposure helped me refine my interests and better understand where I want to focus within the industry.

Describe the best memory of your life so far? Why does that moment resonate with you? The best memory of my life would be my wedding. Having a steady supporter in my corner through the good days and the bad is a blessing I try to never take for granted.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? After graduation, I hope to work in acquisitions at a real estate investment/private equity firm.

DON’T MISS: MEET NORTH CAROLINA KENAN-FLAGLER’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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