Advice before starting MSRED?

Good evening everyone! I'm class of 2019 with a BS in architecture degree, currently working in an architecture firm, and just got accepted into a MSRED program starting Summer 2019. I heard it is crucial to be proficient in Excel, but I am just wondering what are some other important skills/ books/ courses recommended/ things to keep in mind for someone who has no previous related experience? I'm just trying to make up for my lack of financial knowledge and try not to panic when school starts lolll. All comments are appreciated!

3 Comments
 

https://www.adventuresincre.com/ is a great website (started by Cornell MRED grads if I remember correctly) that has a lot of reading you can do as well as some Excel practice.

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Real-Estate-Development-Business/dp…</a">ULI's Professional Real Estate Development book is something I always recommend to people new to Development. The author teaches at Harvard.

Other than that I would recommend reaching out to professionals in the market your program will be in to set up coffees and lunches whenever you start. It's never too early to network or try and get an internship (if your program allows and/or requires one.)

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

Dear CRE, thank you so much for your tips, those are really helpful and I really appreciate it! I just have a few more questions:

1) In addition to the websites, tutorials, and book, is there any other important hard skills and soft skills I can start preparing and practicing besides excel and networking in this industry?

2) Also, thank you for the helpful advice on trying to reach out to the professionals before school. I am a total newbie in this area, and I will totally do more research on this, but I am just wondering if there is any recommended organization or clubs I can join in order to reach the professionals in NYC area besides LinkedIn and professor emails from school website?

Thank you so much again for your time and effort, I really appreciate it.

 
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