FT recruiting - Check in

How are all you 2025 (and 2024) grads looking? Getting interviews, chats, offers? Have been hearing some firms are ramping up and some aren't recruiting at all. Curious what you guys are seeing in all CRE roles.

21 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about FT recruiting for 2025 and 2024 grads:

  • Interviews and Offers: Some firms are actively ramping up their recruiting efforts, while others may not be recruiting at all. This can vary significantly across different companies and regions.
  • CRE Roles: The situation in Commercial Real Estate (CRE) roles can be particularly varied. It's important to stay updated on specific firms and their current recruiting status.
  • Networking: Continue networking and reaching out to industry professionals. This can provide insights into which firms are currently hiring and increase your chances of landing interviews and offers.
  • Resume Building: Focus on building a strong resume and gaining relevant experience, even if it means taking on internships or part-time roles that can enhance your profile.

For more detailed advice and updates, you might want to check out recent discussions and threads on Wall Street Oasis.

Sources: How are you guys holding up? (@ sophomores still recruiting for SA 2022), Recent Grads - Do we still have jobs??, December Grad Entry-Level Job Search?, On Cycle 2025 Advice, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/re-recruiting-for-ft-2025?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Things have been on the upwards for me personally. Have a couple processes I’m in the middle of. It’s definitely been tough though.

 
Most Helpful

2025 grad who recently landed a role. Advice I can share is to really leverage your network. I didn't get a ft offer with the place I was a SA at but they were instrumental in helping me get my role and went to bat for me. Obviously, not every place will be like that but try to focus on maintaining quality connections you already have in addition to new connections. Also, leverage your previous experience. I wanted to be in a large gateway market but my previous experience was all in a Tier 2 market. I got very little traction in the gateway market I wanted to be in but my skillset and familiarity with the Tier 2 market made me the perfect fit for my current role.

It won't be an easy recruiting cycle but look at the professionals who entered the industry during and in the aftermath of the GFC. A lot of those professionals rose up the ranks quickly because people exited the industry and they were willing to do the challenging shit no one wanted to do. I genuinely believe that this is the best market to learn CRE in considering we're all young and most of us don't have to shoulder many obligations. 

 

Best of luck to everyone. Stay prepared, touch base with your network and keep your head up.

 

2025 grad here, just landed a role at a big name shop. Coming from a non-target with no big names on my resume, here are a few things that helped me with the process. Not saying this is for everyone, but this is what worked for me, so take it as you wish:

1. Network is everything. If you're like me and don't have family/ friends connections in real estate, you have to grind out LinkedIn connections and scour company websites for emails. I sent out 25-50 connections a week and leveraged LinkedIn Premium's search and connection message features to schedule at least 3 chats a week. The key here is actually building the relationship after your first chat and making them WANT to help you with your career search. Keep everyone you connect with updated every couple of weeks, and if you hit it off with someone, follow up with them more often. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want, but make sure you establish a genuine connection first.

2. Overprepare for everything: networking calls, interviews, case studies, even hirevues. Don't leave anything up to chance. I spent the most time on mental math technical, creating 1-2 compelling investment pitches (hint: data centers in Northern Virginia - thank me later), analyzing news stories, and honing in my 'Tell Me about yourself' question. Don't be afraid to say something unconventional in interviews when telling your story- the point is to stand out, and you're not going to do that by reciting a pre-rehearsed speech in front of your interviewer. Relax. The preparation will serve you well, but go with the flow once you're in the interview.

I can't lay it all out here but if anyone has specific questions feel free to ask. Good luck to everyone in the process, it is tough as hell out there.

 

2025 grad student here. It’s definitely getting better than the last 12 months. I have been getting some decent looks. In a couple final round interviews. However, it’s all relationship based. As others on this thread have stated, it’s all about leveraging your network. I’ve heard on the street (and wso) that mid level people are really struggling.

 

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