24, CRE to IB Leap: Charting a New Path Post-Undergrad

Hello everyone, I’m standing at a bit of a crossroads and could really use some guidance from those who’ve navigated similar transitions. At 24, I’m on the verge of graduating from undergrad—a journey that took a bit longer because I took some time off before diving into my studies. Throughout uni I’ve done a year’s worth of internships in Commercial Real Estate (CRE), focusing on asset management and investments. As graduation approaches, it seems like a role in Asset Management within CRE is where I’m headed. However, recently, I’ve been captivated by the world of Investment Banking (IB) and am seriously considering making the leap. I’m under no illusion about the challenge this transition represents, especially coming from a CRE background. But I’m willing to put in the work, learn, and adapt to make this change possible. What I’m reaching out for is advice on how best to approach this shift. If you’ve made a similar transition, or have insights into navigating from CRE to IB, I’d greatly appreciate your thoughts. How can I leverage my CRE experience in asset management and investments to break into IB? What additional skills should I focus on developing? Are there specific networking strategies, courses, or certifications that would make me a more attractive candidate for IB roles? CFA VS MBA? etc. Any advice, tips, or personal anecdotes would be incredibly valuable as I try to map out my next steps.