Young realtor chooses BGSU to build a successful career

As a realtor with Howard Hanna, Stephanie Miller is funding her education while building a strong foundation for her future career

By Branden Ferguson

At just 18, Stephanie Miller became a licensed realtor. While a college degree wasn't a requirement for her career, she chose to attend Bowling Green State University to build a strong foundation and expand her professional network.

"BGSU has more to offer than just a degree," said Miller. "It has allowed me to develop my professional skills and create a network that has been instrumental to my success."

As a third-year business administration student specializing in finance, Miller is involved in the BGSU Honors College, a member of the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, a student ambassador for the Schmidthorst College of Business and on the executive board for Women in Business Leadership.

"BGSU has provided me with so many opportunities to develop my career," Miller said. "I have connected with a variety of professionals through student organizations, classes and through introductions from professors.

"Combining my networking with the skills I have learned while in school allows me to feel more confident that I can achieve my professional goals when I enter the industry full-time."

After shadowing an agent at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services as a high school student, Miller returned to the company after earning her real estate license, becoming a realtor in February 2024. Balancing school and work, Miller has already closed more than $1 million in transactions. 

"I love being able to help families and individuals find a home that is perfect for them," Miller said. "There is no better feeling than successfully guiding someone in buying their dream home."

Eager to make the most out of her college experience, Miller is thankful for the wide range of resources BGSU offers her and other students. 

"Life Design and the Kuhlin Career Hub give you one-on-one guidance to map out your goals, while job fairs and University partnerships open the door to real career opportunities before you even graduate," Miller said. "BGSU has helped me grow by giving me access to hands-on experiences and support systems that keep me focused on both my academic and career goals."

While the University's resources have helped Miller tremendously, she said her professors' willingness to support her career has been reassuring.

"Some of my biggest supporters in my career as a realtor have been my professors," said Miller. "Robert Thompson offered to pass out business cards for me, and David Dewey shared multiple real estate internship opportunities with me. I couldn't be more grateful for their support."

Dewey, an assistant teaching professor of marketing, respects Miller's long-term view of her career path, supporting her decision to earn a BGSU education.

"A BGSU education will provide Stephanie with unique professional and life skills," said Dewey. "For a highly motivated and bright student like Stephanie, a business degree will help prepare her to open and run her own real estate agency."

As Miller continues to sell homes with Howard Hanna and pay her way through college, she has her sights set on her next professional goal: becoming a home investor, purchasing and renovating properties in her community.