Career Advise needed based on the following scenario

Hello Guys, I wanted to get some perspectives on a career trajectory here. Please advise. 

I have been a CRE broker for 3 yrs at a no-name boutique shop and didn't make $$ at all. Instead lot a few thousands.... I then decided to switch shops and join a bigger one and now will be looking to join a Sales/Leasing team at CBRE in the Industrial asset class with a team of 6 ppl. the team is doing about $200M in annual sales volume so I think I'd actually start making money. The split is 50/50 which ofc is hard but beggars cannot be choosers. 

I also have been interested in tech and decided to go back to school at night and learn engineering. Furthermore, I applied to about 200 jobs and couldn't land even 1 interview.... sucks ik.... 

Also, I have about 3 business ideas I think would make me money.

  Biz idea #1 requires startup capital of about $50K which is why I can't start it. This is because it requires me to manufacture the goods and based on the MOQs of these factories...I don't have cash to do it right now. 

Biz idea #2: Is a hardware idea but requires me to have technical knowledge. I am building prototype 1 but I think I need another 10 distinct prototypes to finally get a feel of if I can take this product to market... So this idea is not a matter of startup capital but an issue of time and knowledge... Thus, something I'm working on. 

Biz idea #3: A software platform which requires technical skills. Which I'm planning to learn via university and online education. 

Since i got the CBRE gig, I think I'll take this role as a leasing agent to finally start making $$. I think by having this on my resume I can build reputation and move into an Account Executive role at a Tech company in 6-12 months if the CBRE gig proves to be something I cannot stay in. 

Breakdown of my gameplan: 

1) I plan to work the 9-5 hrs as a leasing agent. Use this experience to break into Tech Sales roles IF the CBRE gig doesn't work out for me. 

2) I plan to take Engineering courses at night at my local university (About 1-2 courses per semester). 

   My local university has stated to me that I need to take about 10 undergrad prerequisites in order to appl to the Masters in Computer Engineering program.   

3)  As I make money, I'll build products I'm passionate about over the weekend. 

The Education Gameplan:

First Year: Take 3 courses (Python 101 , Discrete Math, Calculus 1, Calculus 2) 
2nd Year: Data Structures, Algorithms, Calculus 3, Calculus 4, Differential Equations) 
Finished prerequisites.

Grad School: Finish the 8-10 course engineering degree 

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a detailed breakdown of your career trajectory and game plan:

Current Situation:

  • Experience: 3 years as a CRE broker at a boutique shop with minimal financial success.
  • New Opportunity: Joining a Sales/Leasing team at CBRE in the Industrial asset class with a team of 6 people, handling $200M in annual sales volume.
  • Compensation: 50/50 split.

Interests and Challenges:

  • Interest in Tech: Pursuing engineering education at night.
  • Job Applications: Applied to 200 tech jobs without landing an interview.
  • Business Ideas:
    • Biz Idea #1: Requires $50K startup capital.
    • Biz Idea #2: Hardware idea needing technical knowledge and time.
    • Biz Idea #3: Software platform requiring technical skills.

Game Plan:

  1. Work as a Leasing Agent:

    • Objective: Gain experience and financial stability.
    • Potential Exit: Transition to Tech Sales roles if the CBRE gig doesn't work out.
  2. Pursue Engineering Education:

    • Courses: Take 1-2 courses per semester at a local university.
    • Prerequisites: Complete 10 undergrad courses to qualify for a Master's in Computer Engineering.
  3. Develop Business Ideas:

    • Weekends: Work on building products you are passionate about.

Education Timeline:

  • First Year:
    • Python 101
    • Discrete Math
    • Calculus 1
    • Calculus 2
  • Second Year:
    • Data Structures
    • Algorithms
    • Calculus 3
    • Calculus 4
    • Differential Equations
  • Grad School:
    • Complete 8-10 course engineering degree.

Advice:

  • Leasing Agent Role:

    • This role at CBRE can provide you with a reputable platform and financial stability. The experience and network you build here can be valuable if you decide to transition to Tech Sales.
    • Focus on leveraging the brand and resources of CBRE to maximize your learning and earnings.
  • Engineering Education:

    • Balancing work and education is challenging but feasible. Prioritize your time effectively to ensure you can manage both responsibilities.
    • Completing the prerequisites and advancing to a Master's program will significantly enhance your technical skills, making you more competitive in the tech job market.
  • Business Ideas:

    • Biz Idea #1: Consider alternative funding options like crowdfunding, angel investors, or small business loans to raise the $50K capital.
    • Biz Idea #2: Continue developing prototypes and seek feedback from potential users or mentors in the field to refine your product.
    • Biz Idea #3: Utilize your engineering courses to build the necessary skills for this software platform. Online resources and coding bootcamps can also accelerate your learning.

Conclusion:

Your plan to work at CBRE while pursuing engineering education and developing business ideas is ambitious but well-structured. By gaining experience in a reputable firm, enhancing your technical skills, and working on your passions, you are setting a solid foundation for a successful career transition and entrepreneurial ventures.

Sources: To Those Who's Had A Successful Career In CRE, What Advice Do You Have For Younger Generations?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/real-estate/starting-my-career-in-cre-five-years-out-of-undergrad-brokerage-vs-development?customgpt=1, How do I land a role at a commercial firm (JLL, CBRE, etc.) from scratch at 26?, To Those Who's Had A Successful Career In CRE, What Advice Do You Have For Younger Generations?, Need career advice.. PLEASE help

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