Making the most out of an intro call
Landed a call with a decision maker at a large REPE firm. Everyone there is H/S/W with MBAs and banking stints. I work at a smaller RE investment firm on a very lean investment team with solid transaction experience ~7 million SF across asset classes. Currently a second year associate and have about six years of total experience with a non-target degree and an MSRE. I know I can 100% do the job, the hours would be demanding, the buttoned up corporate culture would be different from what I currently do but I have worked at a BB before (non IB), and I probably have similar if not more responsibility on my current team. I know that not coming from that education pedigree is an issue as breaking in the traditional route has proven difficult, despite the fact that they'll take a banking analyst who has never done asset level underwriting. To clarify this is not a call regarding a specific position, it is an introductory call on how to break into a top REPE fund from my position. How do I make the most out of this call/connection?
Try to connect with him, see what he's doing maybe you have similar interests outside of work. I'm younger than you and a few years out of undergrad but I don't get the whole non target thing.
You have an MSRED and 6 years of experience, don't worry about the being a "non target". Build a relationship with him over time, people are willing to hire people they like. Look at Bill Ackman, he's literally hired a fly fishing guide, tennis partner, and cab driver for very competitive roles because he met them and thought they were intelligent. You never know who you're speaking to, don't let pedigree get you down you got your foot in the door.
So, there was a post with a very similar question months ago, I would try and find it, lots of good comments as I recall.
My biggest piece of advice (given the way wrote the post)....
Get this target vs. non-target shit out of your head. That stuff is stupid and toxic. You know have a job and background, the role of your degrees (let alone from where they cam) has depreciated at least 75% at this stage, it really doesn't matter (i.e. do not bring it up on the call unless they say something, which they probably won't). FYI, the concept of "target" all relates to the targeting of programs for OCR and general recruitment, once you are in the "experienced hire" pool, it really is far less of a factor. This treatment of it being some form of stigma for life is ridiculous. Rant over.
As to what to do on the call. Just be open and honest about your career desires and get advice, be curious about their business, personal career paths, what they see as threats and opportunities for the industry, etc. The goal is to get to know them and build a relationship, then follow up and repeat from time to time. Thus, don't stress this, just have fun!
Rerum quo eos suscipit quo fugiat. Commodi sunt quis pariatur facilis in maiores.
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