About to start a role at a large life co/investment manager on the equity side. Covering the Midwest down to Texas. I love the city although I’m not sure if it’s the place to be for young folks starting their careers? Seems like New York, Sf, LA have more jobs.
Is Chicago not looked at as favorably as nyc would be on a resume? Please share all thoughts.
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It won't matter. As long as the company you're at has good deal flow, you'll be able to move down the line if you want. Companies care about experience and if you're at a reputable shop that'll be the focus point, not where you sit. If you're starting your career, you also have plenty of time to move if you want to in a few years
From what I hear from my friends who live in Chicago, if you don't mind the weather, it seems like a great place to live. Fairly reasonable cost of living and lots to do. I've never really heard anyone bash Chicago like I have heard them say LA or SF
With that said, if you want to be a new yorker, go to NYC. There's plenty of jobs there
Bump
Chicago = shitty weather, shitty pizza, and shitty sports teams!
j/k... NY centric opinion alert.
Chicago has tons of RE employment and lots of firms have HQs and/or major ops there. I think anyone would be fine starting a career there. Personally, not my city, but I have friends there who love it. Lots going on, its a very legit tier one city.
Chicago is legit and if you are young-mid 20's you will have a great time
I'd rather live there than SF
For real estate, at least RE institutional investment, Chicago has a ton of opportunities. It's centrally located with one of the most connected airports in the world, so it's a great place for an investment manager to be located. At least for real estate, Chicago will have more jobs than SF. New York is obviously the top dog, but I would think Chicago and LA aren't too dissimilar. Now, if you want to go work for an operator/sponsor, LA will have a lot more.
Everyone is making good points, and Chicago is easily one of my favorite cities in the country (I also enjoy the cold more than the heat, so the winters don't bother me), but don't discount the architecture! Chicago is home to some of the most important buildings and architects in American architectural history. From the houses of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe to the skyscrapers of Louis Sullivan and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Chicago has always been on the cutting edge of design. I know your job doesn't really have much to do with the architectural tradition but understanding the history of real estate in the city is always an enriching experience and I think can pay dividends in ways unexpected.
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