Current job vs corp dev vs MFPE Ops

I work in acquisitions at a CRE fund. We do small deals on individual assets ($200k-$4m). Job is interesting as I run point on a lot of deals and get exposure to full deal process and many types of owners (individuals to f500 companies). I want to leave this position for several reasons I won’t get into. TC $120k-$130k. I have 2 offers currently, MFPE ops and a corp dev role for a reit. ———————————- MFPE Ops: -Would not have to move -TC $120k-$140k -I know ops isn’t looked at as great, but to be honest I don’t really care about the prestige of a job. I want to be intellectually stimulated and decent comp

———————————-

Corp dev. -TC$90k-$100k -Have to move 3+ hours for the role -Pay cut from current comp -Actual day to day doesn’t seem too different from what I am doing now but may provide better growth opportunities or exit opportunities due to being a much larger company that my current one and falling under corp dev -Corp dev group at this company also encompasses M&A and property management so a lateral into one of those roles may be possible

———————————-

In 5years it would be great to be making $175kish while being able to have some sort of life outside of work. In that same time frame I am thinking of pursuing CFA or masters of fin/acc. Looking for some opinions.

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a detailed comparison of your current job and the two offers you have:

Current Job (Acquisitions at a CRE Fund)

  • Role: Running point on deals, exposure to full deal process, interaction with various types of owners.
  • Compensation: $120k-$130k.
  • Reasons for Leaving: Not specified, but implied dissatisfaction.

Offer 1: MFPE Ops

  • Location: No need to move.
  • Compensation: $120k-$140k.
  • Role Perception: Operations roles are often seen as less prestigious, but you value intellectual stimulation and decent compensation over prestige.

Offer 2: Corp Dev at a REIT

  • Location: Requires moving 3+ hours away.
  • Compensation: $90k-$100k (pay cut from current comp).
  • Role: Similar day-to-day tasks as current job but with potential for better growth and exit opportunities due to the larger company size.
  • Additional Opportunities: Possibility of lateral moves into M&A or property management within the corp dev group.

Considerations for Future Goals

  • 5-Year Goal: Aim to make $175k while maintaining a work-life balance.
  • Further Education: Considering pursuing CFA or a master's in finance/accounting.

Analysis

  1. MFPE Ops:

    • Pros:
      • No relocation required.
      • Slight increase in compensation.
      • Potential for intellectual stimulation.
    • Cons:
      • Operations roles may not offer the same growth or exit opportunities as corp dev roles.
  2. Corp Dev at REIT:

    • Pros:
      • Potential for better growth and exit opportunities.
      • Larger company size could provide more stability and career progression.
      • Possibility of lateral moves into M&A or property management.
    • Cons:
      • Requires relocation.
      • Initial pay cut.
      • Similar day-to-day tasks as current job, which may not address the reasons you want to leave.

Recommendations

  • MFPE Ops: If you prioritize staying in your current location and value intellectual stimulation over prestige, this role could be a good fit. The slight increase in compensation is a bonus.
  • Corp Dev at REIT: If you are willing to relocate and take a short-term pay cut for long-term growth and better exit opportunities, this role could be more beneficial. The potential for lateral moves within the company adds to its attractiveness.

Conclusion

Given your 5-year goal of making $175k while maintaining a work-life balance, and considering further education, the Corp Dev role at the REIT might offer better long-term growth and opportunities. However, if relocation is a significant concern, the MFPE Ops role is a solid option that aligns with your current compensation and intellectual interests.

Sources: Who is happy & satisfied with their current role?, $700k/yr income in WM or leave to try to be a PM & hopefully start investment company in the future?, Overnight 23-year old BTC Millionaire? Life Choices, On the off chance Investment Banking doesn't work out for me, best job for work life balance?

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I worked in a MF for several years. Ops is not remotely close to intellectually interesting, it was probably one of the dullest roles I could think of in the firm. If you want to make c. $175K in 5 years and have reasonable WLB it’s definitely a good option but it is repetitive and monotonous work. If you study for CFA while working there you may be able to pivot into a more interesting role but it’s not a given. From what I could see the CFAs often ended up in treasury management. Some quasi IR role could also be achievable, albeit it’s unlikely to be client facing (think responding to RFPs rather than relationship management / capital raising).

 

Does it continue to be monotonous as you work through the ranks?

What do the opportunities look like post ops for “top performers” who are networking well etc. Are there any applicable skills/knowledge learned? This team seems like it gets decent exposure to deals (obviously not in or near the drivers seat) but perhaps it was overstated. I’ve heard of some people coming out of ops from MF and getting huge pay bumps in similar roles at smaller companies.

Is it possible to move to something involving strategic thinking or even fundraising or pursuing something in risk management in the future? Still early in my career and don’t want to pigeon hole myself.

Again, not looking to break into something like IB or PE deal team, but do want a fulfilling career and some time to enjoy myself outside of that.

 

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