Boutique RE firm vs. big platform – which actually sets you up better for REPE?

Genuinely curious how people think about this.

On one hand, boutique firms give you broad exposure early. You touch transactions, asset management, valuations, development. Real responsibility from day one.

On the other hand, big platforms mean bigger deal sizes, more structured processes, and a brand name that opens doors before you even speak.

For those who made it into REPE – did the platform name get you the interview, or was it the depth of deal exposure that actually mattered?

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