Anna Gronholm

Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics

Classroom experiences helped spark Gronholm's passion for the property management industry

Degree/Year

Housing Management & Policy Major with a Residential Property Management Emphasis; Business Management Major with a Legal Studies Certificate, 2022

Current occupation/Location

Cortland's Talent Development Programs Specialist, Atlanta

What has been your proudest accomplishment since graduating?

Since graduating, my proudest accomplishment is being able to come back to UGA and speak to UGA students. On the day that I came back to speak for the first time, it marked five years since I got into UGA as an incoming student. It was a full circle moment, and I felt so grateful and blessed. Prior to coming to UGA, I had no idea what the future was going to hold. As a student, UGA taught me so much in and outside of the classroom, so being able to come back as a guest speaker was truly magical. Now, as an alum, I am in the position to help the future generation. There were so many people who were there for me and eager to help me grow as a student and into my career, and I am beyond grateful and proud that I am in the position to pay it forward and help support the next generation. 

What was your favorite class in FACS?

Introduction to Property Management! This is where I fell in love with the property management industry. Professor Sherle Brown has so much passion for the content and, most importantly, for her students. As she brought in guest speakers, I could feel my passion growing too!

Did you have a favorite – or most memorable – faculty member?

Absolutely! Professor Brown made a tremendous impact on me. She gets to know her students, and she truly does everything she can to support and develop them. Professor Brown is truly incredible in every way! Even after graduating, she still checks in and sees if she can do anything to help support me. I am so grateful for her!

How do you think FACS prepared you for your career success?

Aside from the well thought out curriculum and content that FACS shared and taught me, FACS provided a support system and network for me to be able to build my career on. The professors truly listen to their students and connect them with people who can share more and provide additional opportunities to grow and develop outside the classroom. As the property management and real estate industry is so relationship-driven, I am still able to learn from industry leaders I met as a student. There is so much to learn from each person you interact with, and that started with the teachers, students and speakers I met within FACS.

What inspires or motivates you?

My inspiration has always been and will continue to be my family. My parents have always been there to support me and cheer me on. They did so much for me growing up and as a student at UGA to enable me to grow and develop. Because of everything they have done for me, I want to be successful for them so I can give back to them, celebrate them and support them. 

What advice would you give a current FACS student looking to pursue a career in your field?

To start, get to know your professors! They are not only there to teach you, but they are also there to help you grow after graduation. I would not be where I am today without my professors.

Secondly, I would encourage students to meet with associates who are in the industry that they want to be in and learn from them. These associates are there to help too! This is a great opportunity to learn from their life experiences and connect what they learned in the classroom.