CRE Asset Management vs Private Equity and breaking in

Hello,

I've been a long time reader of WSO and appreciate the amazing insight that everyone provides.
I'm contemplating transitioning to CRE PE from corporate FP&A and have 3 questions (ok maybe 6):

1) What is the difference (if any) between starting as an acquisitions analyst in RE Asset Management (think BB asset management ) vs RE Private Equity? Are the skill sets viewed similarly?

2) Is is it possible to transition into PE from an acquisitions analyst role ? How disadvantaged is it compared to transitioning from an CRE IB background?

3) Is it realistic to transition into CRE PE after 5 years of corporate finance experience and a CFA? Would an MBA help?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

5 Comments
 
Best Response

In answer to question 1, there is absolutely no difference. Honestly, there isn't even all that much difference between AM and acquisitions analysts at a major manager. It's just a question of depth vs breadth (do you work on 20 asset and get really deep in operating an asset at an investor level or do you work on 100 deals you see for a month and then never again).

On 2, I can't speak to CRE IB as I've never done it, but they have dual reputations. IB always has some cache with it, but AM people tend to view them as glorified brokers. So it kind of depends on the background of the PE guy hiring you.

On 3, it's possible, but tough. Both an MBA and CFA will help you, but the best route is RE right out of the gate. PE shops (and the naming convention is wonky cause most of the work is exactly the same) tend to focus on experienced analysts, however, so going straight in is tough with no RE. A major AM (PREI, JPM, UBS) will be more likely to train you up in RE.

 

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