Brokerage - "Pidgeon holed" into one Asset Class? Exit opps?

Hey All 

i just recently accepted an analyst role on a capital markets team of a top brokerage firm (JLL,CBRE, C&W). Will be doing investment sales on the retail capital markets team. From others with experience, does this "pidgeon hole" me into a focus on retail for the rest of my career? Have you guys seen people move into other asset classes? I have heard retail is  the toughest asset class to underwrite and interviewers said that if you can underwrite retail you can underwrite anything. 

Thanks in advance. 

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's not uncommon for people to feel "pigeonholed" into one asset class in the brokerage industry. However, it's important to remember that your skills and experiences are transferable. If you're starting in retail capital markets, you're gaining valuable experience in investment sales, which is applicable across different asset classes.

As for moving into other asset classes, it's definitely possible. It might require some additional networking and perhaps some additional learning on your part, but it's not unheard of. The key is to demonstrate your transferable skills and your willingness to learn and adapt.

As for retail being the toughest asset class to underwrite, that could be seen as a positive. If you can master the complexities of retail underwriting, it could make you a more attractive candidate for roles in other asset classes. It's all about how you frame your experiences and skills.

Remember, your career path is not set in stone. You have the ability to shape it and steer it in the direction you want to go. So, don't feel limited by your current role. Use it as a stepping stone to reach your career goals.

Sources: Addressing the Dreaded "Pigeonhole", Hours in Real Estate, Why choose Sales and Trading over Investment Banking?, Confused about my career..., Can someone tell me the truth on CRE Brokerage profitability potential

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Yeah I mean retail might be the hardest to underwrite. I recently worked at one of these brokerages and I noticed a lot of the retail analysts did build careers in it but they also enjoyed it.

I suppose you can move from a retail brokerage group to a multi family?

However, would you be able to move into multi family development or acquisitions? Probably not.

 
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