How to become RE Investment Analyst

Hi All,

Reaching out looking for advice. I've spent 3 busy seasons at a Big 4 Firm - Looking to transition in the Minneapolis market to a Real Estate Investment/Development firm as an Investment Analyst. I've been looking for about a month and am continuously being told how difficult it is to transition directly into RE as an analyst. I feel as if I'm stuck at a crossroads and was hoping for some career advice as to which would path would ease my transition. FYI - I have my CPA and my undergrad is within Accounting.

  1. Work at a reputable development firm as a financial analyst within their accounting division for two years while studying for the GMAT and attempt to get into a top 25 grad school for my MBA

  2. Keep watching the job market and hoping for a Real Estate Investment Analyst role (not proving very helpful) or considering leaving the Minneapolis area for a job as a RE Investment Analyst (again, not proving promising)

  3. My final option is to transfer to another Big 4 firm directly into their TAS function, specifically within M&A for two years then attempt to transition into a real estate investment analyst role. This is only appealing to be as I would have additional time at a Big 4 and would be only working within M&A which might prove slightly more interesting.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated - Thank you in advance!

4 Comments
 

Was in similar spot. Spent 5 in big 4 and was manager in TAS. Found that real estate experience is highly coveted along with modeling skills. Also found that a lot of firms I talked to hired younger, cheaper talent. So when I was promoted to manager, the pay cut was too much. Ultimately decided to go the MBA route while working accounting at RE shop. Definetly opened some doors, waiting to see best route either inside the firm or outside.

 

Where did you end up going for your MBA? What sort of positions are people offering out of an MBA in real estate? I've worked in real estate for the past 3 years and am also going back to school for my MBA, am curious what the job market looks like post-graduation.

 

I go to one of the 2 big Chicago schools. Have seen a mixture of roles. Ranges from local shops to your premier ones like Blackstone. Some are internships. Definetly think having it has helped when I network and apply outside of school job board. I don’t know what compensation looks like. Plan to kind of pursue those bigger jobs next year if I don’t find something local.

 

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