Do I have a shot?

I'm just a random Asian currently working for a large REPE in Asia. The thing is I'm thinking about moving to the US within the next few years but I have no clue if I'm gonna be able to find a decent job in RE.

So a little bit about myself, I've been working for this company for about two~three years and went to one of the best colleges in Asia, which I know American people wouldn't give af. I know that Experience is king in RE industry but I didn't get many chances to see the property deeply which is part of the reason why I'm leaving here bcuz I love the physical nature of the asset.

Should I consider doing a MSRE/MSRED at target schools or should I just move to the states first and expect to get an interview opportunity?

I guess my biggest weaknesses would be the fact that I'm not a native speaker, and I'm not as familiar with US market as American college graduates.

Any advice/help is appreciated

21 Comments
 

Columbia & UCLA both have fantastic MRED programs, just depends what coast you want to be on. You will be way better culture fit at any American real estate company after spending some time at either and making relationships.

 

“Not a native speaker”, you seem fine with writing in English based on this post. Have you taken the TOEFL exam? It’s a standardized test for non-native English speakers that most (if not all) graduate programs would require you to take.

Some MRED programs have a STEM designation, meaning, in short, that you can legally work here for a few years upon graduation. I’d look into any MREDs that have a STEM designation as a starting point, if you think grad school is your best shot at moving over here.

 

Try to go the MRED route. It’ll allow you to acclimate to the US better and give you a good understanding of how the industry works here. Corporate culture is also very different in the US than Korea. You may be able to adjust well but I’ve personally had to adjust a little when talking with Korean clients. Try to go to a 2 year mred program if you can because the internship will be helpful for your chances in landing a role.

Is internally transferring a possibility? I’d imagine your fund would have offices in the US. This could also be a good option since you won’t have to explain your previous experience too much.

 

I’m pretty sure op works at Lasalle/Hines or a similar firm given the description and if that’s the case there’s a ton of opportunity to move around so that’s probably the best option.

 

I mean it’s not really about the education at this point imo. The Mred would give him a network he could use to find a role in the US. Having an alum network and on campus recruiting is going to be super helpful.

 

Go for a MBA (full time or part time) with a strong RE curriculum and RE alumni network. MBA’s love international students with impressive investing backgrounds and college undergrad. 
 

You sound like someone who would want to work for a larger real estate fund, which San Francisco is a good place to work. 
 

PM me if you are interested in Berkeley.  I actually lived in Seoul (Yongsan) when I was a child.  

Have compassion as well as ambition and you’ll go far in life. I am interested in digital immortality. Check out my blog at digitalimmortality.com
 

MBA would be better (part time or full time) at a school with a strong RE program and alumni network.  I’m going to guess you would be interested in staying in REPE and prefer a globally focused fund.  
 

Berkeley (for San Francisco), Columbia (for New York) come to mind.  
 

I can speak about Berkeley. 
 

I lived in Seoul when I was a child (went to school in Yongsan).

Have compassion as well as ambition and you’ll go far in life. I am interested in digital immortality. Check out my blog at digitalimmortality.com
 
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