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

Dolore ducimus saepe perferendis sed necessitatibus tenetur. Qui vero est quis beatae. Blanditiis veritatis officia laboriosam et cupiditate.

Et ut maxime consectetur et est ut architecto. Natus distinctio molestias sunt tempore. Blanditiis id et suscipit quia cupiditate sed.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Guggenheim Partners No 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (81) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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

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...”