CRE -> WM

I am feeling the pain of being on a commission only* structure. I am also not scratching the finance itch that I so enjoyed while in UG completing a Finance major. I am almost 30 and contemplating a move to WM/PWM. I love sales, but ultimately, I feel incomplete and unsatisfactory with my current career outlook. I like the compensation structure of WM as the book builds up. I have a few connections at WM branches of name-brand banks. I am even contemplating the CFA I just to kick things off. 

I DIGRESS! lol Has anyone moved from CRE to WM? Or anything to WM? I know WM isn't considered high finance to some of the more snooty posters on here. But in my opinion, neither is CRE.  

It would be great to hear of any monkeys who are currently in WM, as well. 

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Was in WM, left and potentially could go back into it. The eat what you kill model is the same in wealth management if you are trying to build a book with a wirehouse. You’re right, the difference is if you can build a book, it’s an annuity that will continue to pay. I can also say this, you may not scratch the finance itch in WM. You’re following the markets but at a really high level. You just have to communicate it and dumb it down for clients. After working where I am now, I do realize how much I miss the entrepreneurial aspect of the grind…personally managing money for clients who trust you is a feeling that you really don’t get in many other jobs. It is a grind though and if you can find someone who can give you a chunk of their book to manage, that would be the most realistic and probable path to success. If you are going out on your own, realize that it’s probably the hardest selling position in the game. You may have your “firm name” behind you like a ML or a Morgan Stanley…but clients care only about you as a person. If you love sales, and you like working with people on a more personal level, I say make the jump. You can craft an interesting story for yourself with your background in commercial real estate. So many hnw clients have their assets tied to real estate. Anyways, I’d recommend networking with your advisor friends and learn more about the industry through them

 

Error sunt delectus voluptatem eos recusandae facilis beatae. Veritatis id assumenda asperiores vel eos quas quidem. Enim suscipit maiores commodi voluptatem magnam vitae.

Sint enim soluta ipsam sit minima sunt. Corrupti veniam dignissimos et et tempore atque. Tempore aliquid ea velit facilis qui accusamus. Aliquam et mollitia vero quod aut sequi.

Porro dolores consequatur deserunt et voluptatem dolores. Fuga qui dolorem reprehenderit totam qui. Vero voluptas voluptatibus maxime. Aut aut quisquam ea saepe. Sit ratione dolor ad aut voluptatum voluptatem.

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”