FT 25 Recruiting

Curious to hear how everyone feels about the job market for FT 25. I know it’s still early but personally I expected to get a lot more traction than I have at this point. CRE typically recruits later than traditional finance roles but still I feel like it’s been extremely dead and there’s a lot of people with top tier internship experiences that are now looking for ft so it’s super competitive. Also wondering if anyone was considering a MRED or other masters program.

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding the job market for full-time (FT) positions in Commercial Real Estate (CRE):

  1. Current Job Market Sentiment:

    • Competitive Landscape: The job market for CRE is highly competitive, with many candidates having top-tier internship experiences. This has made it challenging for some to gain traction in their job search.
    • Recruitment Timing: CRE typically recruits later than traditional finance roles, which might contribute to the perceived slow start in the job market.
  2. Job Search Experiences:

    • Mixed Results: Some individuals have reported success in getting interviews and progressing to final rounds, while others have found it more difficult to secure opportunities.
    • Networking Importance: Networking remains a crucial strategy for job seekers in CRE. Leveraging contacts and getting referrals can significantly improve chances of landing interviews and job offers.
  3. Consideration of Further Education:

    • MRED or Other Masters Programs: Given the competitive nature of the job market, some individuals are considering pursuing a Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) or other relevant master's programs to enhance their qualifications and improve their job prospects.
  4. Regional Variations:

    • Market Differences: Job market conditions can vary by region. For example, some users have reported different experiences in markets like Boston and the Midwest.
  5. Common Interview Topics:

    • Skills in Demand: Key skills that are often discussed in interviews include underwriting, financial modeling, Argus, valuation, writing skills, and presentation skills (e.g., PowerPoint for offering memorandums and other marketing materials).

For those navigating the job market, it's essential to stay proactive, continue networking, and consider additional education if it aligns with career goals.

Sources: The Real Estate Job Hunt - How are people doing?, The Real Estate Job Hunt - How are people doing?, FT 21 Recruitment, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/real-estate/starting-my-career-in-cre-five-years-out-of-undergrad-brokerage-vs-development?customgpt=1, How's the FT job search going for college seniors?

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I am in same boat recruiting for FT 25, and also have expected to gain more traction than I have. The market has been severely down for a while now and the job market reflects that, though in speaking with some of my connections in the industry they think there will be an uptick coming into 2025 and through to when we graduate. It is definitely super competitive at the moment, I feel like I am in a good position as I have multiple RE internships and family and friends throughout the industry, and even then I have not yet landed anything concrete. I think about a masters at NYU or Columbia or something but the feedback I have gotten is that any decent job in the industry pretty much is better than the masters given the cost and time commitment. Once you get a year of experience, the market really opens up as firms want people who have already been trained in a professional setting even if it is not overly prestigious.

I think we just need to be patient for the market to turn, and also my understanding and the feedback I have gotten is that the outside of the super institutional firms (i.e. Blackstone, Carlyle, Starwood, BBs, etc.) the majority of firms recruit starting from the 1st of the year as that is when they decide how many analysts they want, though there are ofc some exceptions (from personal experience I have interviews lined up at that are waiting until January to kick off recruiting). Just have to stay on top of the applications as they come up, and keep making connections in the industry.

 

Feel the same way. Done a few HireVues and haven't heard back...

Applied for an equity/fixed income program, over 100 applicants total. Spoke to the recruiter and the available roles were already filled by outgoing interns. Wasted >100 peoples' time for a nonexistent opening.

Wasn't stunned by the number of grad roles open either. Just underwhelming all around.

 

I think you guys are still very early outside of the most institutional of institutional shops, if it makes you feel any better. Extremely difficult to predict what markets will look like next summer at the moment and hiring needs often coincide with that. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

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