Where to start a career DCM vs Real Estate PE

I'm currently in the middle of receiving offers for full time after university.

I finished my super day for dcm at a regional bank, they have a pretty good program with training mentorship progression etc.

Over the summer I did some networking with a MD in acquisitions for a smaller real estate PE firm, he's invited me to talk about an offer in person this weekend. The firm has $4b in assets and has decent growth but their no formal training program, the next youngest person is 5 years my senior.

I'm wondering if I get both offers and they're comparable, is it better to start my career with more training and opportunity to network with the dcm position or a learn on the job style position with the real estate firm.

Thanks!

3 Comments
 
Best Response

Depends, what are you interested in? Do you have a sense of what you mind want to be doing in a few years?

Without knowing the kind of work you're expecting to do at each firm, I personally think the real estate PE shop would be more interesting, especially if it's an industry you would consider staying in longer term.

Depending on the firm/group/your career goals, the networking/mentorship opportunities at the bank probably won't be that beneficial. That being said, one of the best parts of banking was the friends you make. There's definitely something to be said for the difference in day-to-day work experience whether you have colleagues at your level vs. everyone being more senior.

Congrats either way!

 

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