Atlanta to NYC: Could it Happen?

I'm in Atlanta working at a reputable and well known US and Global RE investment management company. I went to a target undergrad university, graduated with a 3.0+ (ehh), solid curriculars, decent social skills, and strong RE background with a proven track record.

I am thinking long-term here, but if I don't end up continuing with the company I'm at now, I'd like to move to NYC and work for either a REIT (apartments or retail...perhaps both) or getting into the RE debt markets. NYC has always been my goal.

I'm hoping some could help answer thee following questions. Thanks.

1) Would it be hard to transfer from say an Acquisitions/Asset Management analyst position at a RE investment management shop to a senior analyst or associate position at a REIT or PE shop/Debt shop in NYC? Given my background?

2) Job searching post graduation is a much different process I assume. How can I expect this to be different than college recruiting? (in terms of networking, interviews, peak times to look for openings at my level)

3) In general, does the average RE / finance employee get their MBA before becoming associate, while they're an associate, or after they've moved up from an associate's level?

4) Am I right to assume that networking will be key to getting that job?

5) There's a chance I will be taking my CFA exams when I'm sending my resume out. Will it even help if I put that I'm in the process on my resume, or will it look dickish?

2 Comments
 
Best Response

1.) Nope. Your background sounds completely in line. 2.) You'll need to be more proactive. Use your target education to network - get out there, talk to alumni, ask them to coffee, etc. Look up former classmates that you used to know that now work in firms that you would be interested in, etc. Apply to a LOT of firms. Tailor your resume for each submission to make sure to use all the buzzwords that will catch the attention of the systems that screen candidates. 3.) Not necessarily.
4.) Yes and no...I mean, you're a second year analyst which means that chances are you will land a gig by making it through the very automated process. But networking always helps. If you don't get any direct leads from it, then it can be a helpful way to obtain advice.
5.) How would it look "dickish"? Put down that you are a CFA candidate.

 

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