Graduate programm in RE

Hi,

I am going to finish my undergraduate studies at the end of this year. After that, I've planned to do a Master. In the future I would like to work in RE. Is it common to do a specialized RE master programm, because here in Europe we have just very few master programmes that have their main focus on RE. Or is it more common to start in a related industry and transfer to RE with some work experience (comparable to PE)?

Would be grateful for any tipps.

Best, Thomas

6 Comments
 
Best Response

My 2 cents: For REPE, REIB is the natural path right out of undergrad...1.5-2 years should get you interviews at top funds. This frankly could serve you really well for almost any other RE gig and is somewhat of a "calling card" that shows work ethic / dedication.

Highly recommend working for a few years BEFORE even thinking about a masters. A masters = call option with exercise date determined by you. The further out you can push that exercise date, the higher your option is worth. What if you dislike RE after a couple years? Pursue a masters and change careers. You didn't mention your background or what you're studying--this is kind of important. There are a lot of different job functions in RE and assuming you're NOT targeting IBD, reading up on all of them and finding where your true interests lie is a good step between now and recruiting.

 

Hey,

first of all thank you for your reply. Initially my interest came from financial modeling, although my knowledge in it is still very limited. An area I have always been interested in is PE, but this is apparently a sector where I, if at all, will end up further down the road. As RE is conceptual very similar (at least as far as my knowledge goes), this sector has had my interest as well. But before taking this too far, I have to admit that even my knowledge of the different job-profiles in RE is very limited. Therefore thanks again for referring to IBD. Maybe I should start there first.

But referring to my first post. Is it common to do a graduate program specifically for RE, or is a general finance program the usual path?

Best

 

Everyone is different--that's the only comment I can make as I can't speak for what is 'common' per say. Many of the wealthiest RE guys I know have a college degree only (no masters) and there are even those without a degree period. You ought to spend some time reading all of the quality RE related posts on this forum to get a better understanding of the industry, the players, and the career prospects. If you 100% want to do RE for your entire career, it would be tough to recommend any program other than a top MBA focused on real estate (or MSRE/MSRED/MRED)...

 

Neque aliquid ut cum ut sunt. Nulla est velit provident dolore vel. Laudantium eos cupiditate et porro. Omnis nam neque voluptatibus voluptatem dolorem ab repellendus. Minus eum adipisci consectetur ut molestiae.

Animi minima quisquam qui. Expedita alias impedit beatae omnis mollitia illum quae. Accusamus voluptate soluta libero veniam odit. Et ut possimus doloribus mollitia omnis qui. Illo repudiandae rerum alias libero voluptatem. Quia impedit qui error voluptate.

Voluptatem voluptas officia corporis recusandae dicta. Voluptas iure quo eligendi molestias reprehenderit enim.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”