Associate to VP

I would like to hear about people's experiences of moving from an associate to a VP level on the investment side of RE, and any advice they could share on how they did this. I'm sure the common message would be networking, but what other recommendations would you make? It seems like the leap isn't straightforward, because you go from more of an analytical role to one where you're responsible for bringing in deals, and building relationships. There also seems to be a much larger amount of Analyst/Associate level jobs advertised or available versus VP, which is a limiting factor.

 
Best Response

I know it's not a helpful answer, but it's a true one: it varies so much from company to company and market to market and whatever other variables you want to throw in there that it's very hard to give you a concrete answer.

Basically, you 1) get promoted or 2) apply to or network into an opening at another company

There are less postings because a lot of companies promote from within and also because there are less VP-level positions in general.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

I think OP is looking for answers on being promoted at the same company (or perhaps, what does one bring to the table to be hired somewhere else as a VP).

The short version is that one should to be able to convince others he/she is an expert in the market/niche. Analytical skills are a prerequisite, but to move past number crunching one should work on presentation skills and spend more time networking with bankers, lawyers, consultants, etc.

Relevant links from WSO:

http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/blog/5-ways-to-get-internally-promoted-t…

http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/how-to-make-vp-in-private-equity

Fill the unforgiving minute with 60 seconds of run. - Kipling
 

Is it weird I think I would do better at the VP/MD levels which is client-relationship based instead of the Analyst/Associate roles.

"It is better to have a friendship based on business, than a business based on friendship." - Rockefeller. "Live fast, die hard. Leave a good looking body." - Navy SEAL
 
prospie:
UTDFinanceGuy:
Is it weird I think I would do better at the VP/MD levels which is client-relationship based instead of the Analyst/Associate roles.

Yeah like, all they do is go to fancy dinners and play golf, right?

I'm much better at having dinner than closing deals, I should probably be running a pretty big shop. right?

 

I don't think it is weird you feel that way. Since higher level positions often require more finely honed soft skills along with the knowledge and experience to deal with novel professional situations, as opposed to technical wherewithal and reporting abilities that an analyst usually calls upon, it makes sense that most people, being social creatures, would feel that way. However, consider what you have to lose. Being a "face of the company", and representing the firm as a whole, comes with the tremendous responsibility of never screwing up. You must be a professional every living second that you are representing your firm. At an analyst level, a low-quality report will most likely be audited by your manager before it has the chance to do any real damage.

 

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