I currently work for a regional CRE brokerage as an associate working directly with a SVP/Office manager in Northern NJ. Generally, I like my job. I am outgoing, enjoy working in sales, and really like interacting with new people every day. The day-to-day brokerage duties like showing properties, performing due diligence, targeting/researching potential new business opportunities & negotiating are all things I do well and enjoy doing.
With all that being said, I do feel slightly out of place. I'd like to continue working with real assets, but would like to try and transition towards a more financial role. Because brokerage require intimate knowledge of properties, I feel tethered to my current role and market, and I'd very much like to leave NNJ for a larger city. Working on the financial side seems to be what will allow that. Investment Sales/Capital markets seem like the likely scenario, but I lack the financial background which seems to be a deal beaker for most larger shops, even at the analyst level. Lastly, my current firm is an excellent brokerage, but there is no IS/CM group
I've spoken at length with friends working in finance about my options, but would like some further perspective, especially since here it will likely be less than friendly. I figure there are three real courses of action to take:
1. Stay at my current position, continue to work in brokerage, pursue CFA level 1/Argus Enterprise certification and continue to apply to other jobs with heavier RE finance focus
2. take GMAT, and apply for full-time MSc Finance programs (particularly CUNY/Rutgers/European schools (I hold dual citizenship in the EU)) and be recruited during the course of my study through internships/school/networking
Any other suggestions would help.
