Having a rough time breaking into CRE as an Analyst

I'm a US citizen currently living in the Caribbean. Over the past year, I've been actively building my network with professionals at top firms in CRE and enhancing my financial modeling skills. I've earned the Argus Enterprise certification and continue to work through Break Into CRE financial modeling courses. Additionally, I've passed the first two levels of the CFA program.

Despite my efforts, I’ve struggled to secure interviews, and when I do, employers often choose candidates who already live in the area or have more experience. I always emphasize that I’m ready to relocate immediately, but I need to secure a job first.

My work experience includes 1 year in accounting and 1.5 years in wealth management.

Do you have any advice for improving my chances? Specifically:

  • How can I better overcome the "location disadvantage"?
  • Should I tailor my networking or application strategy differently?
  • Are there any additional skills or certifications I should pursue to stand out?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated -Thanks for your help!

1 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Fugit voluptatem velit similique amet. Dolores autem ducimus dolor. Perspiciatis aliquid dolorem vero voluptatum ducimus. Ipsam id perspiciatis nobis illo.

Modi molestiae nulla vitae quis iure rerum labore. Aut commodi omnis voluptas et iusto et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”