GSE Analyst Roles

I did a GSE analyst stint in multifamily underwriting. Getting a position in the underwriting or production groups of the multifamily team is like winning the lottery. By that I mean it's not good enough that you have a relevant degree from a good school, that your resume is well constructed, or that you do well in the interview. They are inundated with job applicants for the multifamily group--just to get a call back is almost pure luck. As a result, you've got people from all types of random schools (elite, state, etc.) and from all different types of cultural and racial backgrounds. I'd say that of the places I've worked--a GSE, a major bank, a large, local commercial bank, and a family investment company--the GSE definitely had the highest caliber of individual with regard to resume and overall intelligence. So I endorse the people.

From what I've seen, because obtaining an analyst role is relatively difficult, I'd say it's increased my calls back from other companies when I've been seeking employment. Having that role is like an "endorsement" of me professionally. Generally, however, I would say that if you want to do PE or IB then a GSE isn't the way to go--there are definitely better opportunities, especially in today's economy. On the other hand, I've noticed that the GSEs are sending almost all of their analysts to a real estate master's program now, and the master's programs have very good post-graduation placement. So with the combination of GSE multifamily role and a real estate master's degree you'll probably have no real issue getting a PE, et al role, assuming the economy doesn't fade.