Possible to break into PERE from traditional IB route?

Currently an intern in a BB investment bank working in a traditional coverage group (not REIB), so apologies if I'm missing some important information here in regards to the industry.

I had the chance to join the firm's RE group but opted to join the over coverage group as I understand how niche the RE industry can be and wanted to develop a broad skillset while I still have the chance. However, I've had a strong interest in the real estate space given my involvements in some real-estate organizations at my school. In thinking about what I would like to do post-banking, I've considered RE acquisitions/development over traditional PE. My question is, is it possible to break into PERE from a traditional banking role? Or is it much harder and I'm better off transferring to a REIB group before I can make the jump?

Realistically, would be aiming for traditional RE-specific funds (CBRE Global Investors, JLL, Starwood, Lone Star, Brookfield, Hines, etc.) over megafunds with PE arms.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

4 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I’ve seen people go from regional boutique M&A shops (non-re) to REPE firms with a few billion under management. So yeah your situation is definitely possible. You just have to really sell “why real estate”.

I’m guessing you already have some sort of real estate internship under your belt, which will make it easier. The megafunds would probably appreciate someone with your background more than the target groups you listed

Edit: saw you listed Starwood, lone star, Brookfield. Those groups also recruit IB analysts. I’m not sure which ones are more open to non-re IB analysts

Array
 

Quis error animi asperiores consequatur beatae est quo dolores. Blanditiis ipsum iste qui deleniti hic. Dolores harum voluptates porro et autem molestiae. Est dolores quasi ea minus illo et. Accusantium laudantium nemo omnis dolor quia.

Temporibus sit veniam perferendis eaque. Modi et ab eveniet reiciendis nobis quia.

Impedit aut repudiandae assumenda fugiat praesentium. Corrupti doloremque impedit sit cumque modi rerum at quam. Voluptas sed minima non ratione sit. Fugiat provident distinctio sit cumque consequatur molestiae. Voluptas laboriosam et velit nihil non omnis. Autem pariatur qui pariatur nisi minus.

Sunt officiis ab itaque rerum assumenda. Inventore et unde nihil modi eum. Dolorum quisquam qui deleniti a et. Ipsa sed eum nemo repellat aspernatur aut. Ducimus voluptas facilis quam consequatur in velit. Dolorum rerum voluptate ut quia maxime. Eos perferendis quasi accusantium dolores.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
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...”