ENG to RE/IB

Currently an engineer about 2 years out of school. Business minor in addition to engineering finance classes. Working primarily as a consultant working in site development and utility engineering for inland ports with a few smaller warehouses tossed in. Was looking for advice to move from engineering to real estate/developer side of business. Goal is to work for a developer or investment bank. Is the best route an mba at this point or could I leverage my engineering degree and minor to get my foot in the door?

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Development and IB are different animals.

Even within development, there are few types of roles. Assuming you have the right credentials as mentioned, you can squeeze your way into an in house construction role at a development shop. Based on what you said you did, it may be a stretch. I'd like to see someone coming from the construction management of RE, someone who worked for a GC, if I'm looking to bring a construction person in house. No one will bat an eye at your business minor, sorry to break it to ya.

MBA/MSRED is likely the solution.

If you're dead set on RE, I'd try gaining construction management experience for 5-7 years then make the jump to development. Those construction guys (with owner/developer mentality) are rarity in the business and are well compensated when they move to a development shop (ie. 150-300k is entirely posible).

If you want to work for in IB, MBA is must. And better be from a top M7 type school.

 

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