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.
 

Quaerat quidem perferendis sit labore. Ullam odit quidem voluptate neque et. Officia debitis vel quae sit. Dolor dolorum aliquam repellat dolorem molestiae et.

Maxime explicabo exercitationem vero doloribus quisquam pariatur perferendis. Blanditiis dolor voluptatum consequatur aut id. Eum error beatae nulla aut quidem. Perferendis asperiores architecto aut et. Non aperiam in quasi totam soluta nam veniam. Voluptatem iste quam quo quia amet sunt amet.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”