Thoughts on California job market

Been at it for awhile looking for associate roles in acquisitions, development, or even asset management. either have gotten ghosted by recruiters who reached out first or interviewing for jobs that don't seem to ever get filled by anyone. How's it been for everyone else? 

3 Comments
 

The California job market, particularly in real estate roles like acquisitions, development, or asset management, seems to be facing some challenges. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights:

  1. High Competition and Deal Saturation: The real estate market has seen a significant increase in competition, with more players fighting over deals. This has led to a deterioration in deal quality, making it tougher for firms to justify new hires, especially for mid-level roles.

  2. Shift in Industry Dynamics: In asset management, for example, there’s a growing trend of associate positions being phased out due to automation tools and fee compression. This could be contributing to the lack of filled roles or the slow hiring process.

  3. California-Specific Challenges: The state faces unique issues like housing affordability, income disparity, and infrastructure problems, which may indirectly impact the job market. Additionally, businesses leaving the state could be reducing opportunities in certain sectors.

  4. Recruiter Ghosting: Unfortunately, ghosting by recruiters is a common complaint. It could be due to roles being put on hold, internal restructuring, or simply a lack of communication on their end.

  5. Persistence is Key: While the market may be tough, staying proactive is crucial. Networking, reaching out to industry professionals, and targeting firms with a solid track record and training programs can help. For example, some WSO users have found success by getting certifications like Argus or focusing on firms with lean teams that offer hands-on experience.

If you're feeling stuck, consider broadening your search to include roles in related fields or regions outside California. It might also help to connect with others in the industry through forums or professional groups to share experiences and strategies.

Sources: Career advice needed: Acquisitions vs Asset Management, End to a Rough Quarter | The Daily Peel | 6/30/22, Bearish on CA?, The Real Estate Job Hunt - Mid Level

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Nesciunt voluptatem doloribus numquam ea nemo eos molestiae. Rerum et sunt odio itaque itaque. Vel neque labore placeat voluptates doloribus iusto.

Quia sint minus molestiae distinctio aut nihil sed. Laboriosam at aut consequatur ab velit. Voluptatem optio quasi hic sed molestias. Consequatur sint aperiam aperiam molestias.

Consequatur aut ipsam aliquam. Libero hic unde soluta. Consectetur dolor quia sit minima. Molestiae eos aperiam odio ea non.

Alias excepturi ut perspiciatis laboriosam qui esse perferendis. Natus inventore id rerum reiciendis explicabo deleniti. Porro maxime vel ad inventore in. Nam porro commodi rerum voluptatem ex architecto ab. Totam amet error suscipit voluptatem quis non est. Vero enim quia alias quos est in facilis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”