Rising Sophomore Interested in CRE, Corporate Law, IB: should I go to Western w/ no Ivey?

I'm a typical rising sophomore who is 'interested in IB' (work sounds fun but don't actually care about/worship the career) and could use some advice.

A brief summary:

- 2.9 GPA (simply didn't put a lot of time into school, did great in my "difficult classes" (Philosophy, Stats etc.) but did nothing in required classes such as 'Organizational Behaviour' and 'Business and Society'.

- No freshman internship (networked like hell, interviewed at CIBC for Summer AM and PWM positions via a diversity program and made final round interviews but missed out due to age and no finance/accounting classes)

- Great IB connections (lots of great coffee chats, met great guys who will vouch for me but are unaware of my GPA and my lack of real drive for IB; I just know how to talk a good game in regards to "Why IB?")

- I'm at the University of Manitoba, a Canadian semi-target at best; the business school isn't recognized even in Ontario and most alumni stay in Manitoba all their lives which I don't want to do

So, I want to transfer to Western and get a finance and accounting degree.

My only concern is that getting a degree from Western (and not the glorious Ivey) may not help as much as both me and my family think it will. It certainly wouldn't multiply my IB chances as much as Ivey would. But for CRE careers out of undergrad and possibly Corporate Law, it can't be that bad, right...?

The end goal has always been to work a "good career" for 5-7 years then work with Dad at his real estate development company. I'm really just looking for a valuable skillset to bring to it.

So:

1. Is Western BMOS without Ivey worth it for CRE, Corporate Law? Can you get into IB with just Western BMOS?

2. What entry-level career in CRE would be best for being a RE development entrepreneur?

3. Is a Corporate Law background/degree useful for RE development entrepreneurs?

4. Is IB even worth pursuing at this point/with all this in mind? 

Sorry for rambling, would appreciate even the shortest reply, just need some out of family advice.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

1. Is Western BMOS without Ivey worth it for CRE, Corporate Law? Can you get into IB with just Western BMOS?

  • Western BMOS for CRE and Corporate Law: Western's BMOS program can still provide a solid foundation for careers in Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Corporate Law. While Ivey is more prestigious and has a stronger network, Western's BMOS can still offer valuable skills and knowledge.
  • IB with Western BMOS: Breaking into Investment Banking (IB) from Western without Ivey is more challenging but not impossible. Networking, strong internships, and excellent academic performance will be crucial.

2. What entry-level career in CRE would be best for being a RE development entrepreneur?

  • Entry-Level Careers in CRE: Consider roles such as Real Estate Analyst, Property Manager, or Development Associate. These positions will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the real estate market, financial modeling, and project management, which are essential for a future in real estate development.

3. Is a Corporate Law background/degree useful for RE development entrepreneurs?

  • Corporate Law for RE Development: A background in Corporate Law can be highly beneficial for real estate development entrepreneurs. It provides a strong understanding of contracts, negotiations, regulatory compliance, and risk management, all of which are critical in real estate transactions and development projects.

4. Is IB even worth pursuing at this point/with all this in mind?

  • Pursuing IB: Given your current GPA and lack of drive for IB, it might be more practical to focus on areas where you have a genuine interest and can excel. If your end goal is to work in your father's real estate development company, gaining relevant experience in CRE or Corporate Law might be more aligned with your long-term objectives.

Additional Advice:

  • Improving GPA: Focus on improving your GPA in the remaining semesters. A higher GPA will open more doors, whether you decide to pursue IB, CRE, or Corporate Law.
  • Networking: Continue to leverage your IB connections for advice and potential opportunities. Networking is crucial in all fields.
  • Internships: Seek internships in CRE or law firms to gain relevant experience and make informed decisions about your career path.

By aligning your academic and career choices with your long-term goals, you can build a valuable skill set that will benefit you in the real estate development industry.

Sources: IB or Corporate Law?, MBA worth it in CRE?, WF IB VS BMO IB, Canada - landing a Bay Street job as an Ivey MBA

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

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