Incoming SA in REPE tips?

Past SAs and current REPE monkeys - what are some of the soft skills you've seen in colleagues that have really impressed you? Beyond the technical day-to-day tasks, what general advice do you have for SAs when it comes to networking with the team, grabbing drinks, etc.? I'll be interning at a MF REPE shop and want to put my best foot forward without being annoying. Thanks in advance.

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tips and advice for an incoming Summer Analyst (SA) in Real Estate Private Equity (REPE):

Soft Skills to Impress:

  1. People Skills: Work on your interpersonal skills. Being able to communicate effectively and build relationships is crucial.
  2. Attention to Detail: Demonstrating meticulous attention to detail in your work can set you apart.
  3. Proactivity: Show initiative by taking on tasks without being asked and seeking out ways to add value.
  4. Adaptability: Be flexible and open to learning new things. The ability to adapt to different situations is highly valued.
  5. Team Collaboration: Work well within a team, offering support and collaborating effectively with colleagues.

General Advice for Networking and Team Interaction:

  1. Networking:

    • Cold-Emailing: Be cautious with cold-emailing, especially in small teams. Over-networking can harm your reputation.
    • Internal Networking: Focus on building relationships within your team. Attend team events and be genuinely interested in your colleagues' work and experiences.
    • External Networking: If you need to network externally, do so discreetly to avoid any potential conflicts or misunderstandings.
  2. Socializing:

    • Team Events: Participate in team events and social gatherings. This helps in building rapport and showing that you are a team player.
    • Grabbing Drinks: If invited for drinks or informal gatherings, join in but be mindful of your behavior. Maintain professionalism even in social settings.
  3. Professionalism:

    • Work Ethic: Demonstrate a strong work ethic by being punctual, meeting deadlines, and producing high-quality work.
    • Learning Attitude: Show a willingness to learn and ask questions when necessary. This shows that you are engaged and eager to improve.
  4. Technical Skills:

    • Modeling Skills: Brush up on your financial modeling skills, including LBO modeling, IRR, NOI, and equity multiple calculations.
    • Resume Polishing: Ensure your resume is polished and highlights relevant skills and experiences.

Additional Tips:

  • Hustle: Always be hustling and looking for ways to gain more experience and knowledge.
  • Mental Notes: Observe and take mental notes on what makes others successful in the field.
  • Exposure: Seek exposure to different parts of real estate to broaden your understanding and skill set.

By focusing on these areas, you can make a positive impression during your internship and set yourself up for success in REPE.

Sources: Q&A: London REPE MF Associate, Need some advice on breaking into REPE, Career Advice: Family Office (RE Developer) --> MBA --> REPE, Non-Typical Profile for REPE? WSO Guides for REPE, Q&A: 2nd-Year REPE Associate @ Carlyle - AMA/Knowledge Dump

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Be bffs with your co-interns.

You’re not really competing with your co-interns in the sense that you have to be better than them ‘above all else’ - they can always give 0 return offers across the team and screw all of you at the same time, or choose a select few for DEI purposes

Enjoy the experience and make sure senior management likes you. Junior employees told us we had it the bag, but MDs thought otherwise.

- former MF REPE intern (now FT at UMM)

 
Most Helpful
  1. Try to set the stage for genuine friendships. Don't only talk to full time employees and your fellow interns about cap rates like a dork. Talk music, sports, movies, travel, food, etc. No one will remember your work product unless you fuck it up terrible. People will remember your personality. 
  2. Take notes, even if it seems silly at first. It is so easy to forget directions given because you will be drinking from a fire hose. Buy a little notebook and a pen and when someone tells you to do something write down what it is you are assigned, how the person wants it done, and when they want it done by. If you get assigned 10 things, no one will remember the 9 you do correctly. You'll be remembered for the one you forgot or fucked up on. 
  3. Ask questions. Obviously there's a time and a place for this - don't sound like a 5 year old asking "Why?" on repeat - but don't be afraid to show interest beyond surface level. It's easy to get in the swing of things where you come to work, bang out your assignments, and don't learn anything. You're an intern - this is your prime time to learn. 
  4. Find a mentor. Similar to #1 with people your age you want to identify someone older who is interesting in helping you out. Real estate people love to hear themselves talk, but you will genuinely learn things and it can do nothing buy help in your future job hunt, either in getting a return offer or getting a recommendation for elsewhere. 
...but is it REPE?
 

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