Possible to land RE Investment Analyst role with Big4 and Accounting background? Or MBA needed?
Is it possible to land RE Investment Analyst role with Big4 and Accounting background? Or MBA needed?
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It is possible....if you are in the RE valuation group. If not, it's going to be very difficult. You need to network...non-stop. Maybe think about applying to investment sales then transition.
I went from B4 RE > asset management > acquisitions. Agree with above, focus on networking and honing your modelling skills. Get on some RE clients if you can't switch to the valuations/transactions group.
I did it a little over 10 years ago during a bull market. Seems to be harder today. It can definitely be done. I wasn’t in the real estate group for Big 4, instead they assigned me as far away from my desired industries as possible.
Luck and timing. I had a masters of accounting. I seemed to know at least two of the markets the REPE invested in. REPE was top ten AUM.
I learned Argus on my own. I had majored in social sciences as well so I could write and research (good for those IC memos).
Luck and timing. Non-target too.
My advice for today is to get your CPA. Aim for a MBA. The credential is becoming more common place anyways, or mandatory. Chances are you are gunning for an post MBA senior analyst / associate position. Nothing wrong with that.
What do RE investment analysts do at big 4 firms? Also, do you need a CPA to advance in their valuation groups?
By nature, the Big4 are public accounting firms. CPAs are pretty necessary if you want to advance. scroll through LinkedIn and look at Seniors Associates through all the top people - most will probably have CPA. Some top people might have that requirement waived if they are coming from a particular industry and have a 100 years of experience.
Also, take a look at the job postings. Most have CPA parts passed or full exam passed as a requirement.
Can't specifically comment on what RE investment analysts do but there are lots of threads about Big4.
I think they provide audit support or provide third party appraisal review. IMO, I think your time is better spent networking and taking an Argus course on your own. Real estate is a networking game and so is life. Read the Peter Lineman book, take an argus, course, and never stop networking (even when you get the job).
I feel like people underestimate the role location plays. I got an acquisitions internship at a top tier fund in Germany with basically no prior experience. I think your chances of getting decent offers with mediocre experience or resume are a lot greater in many European countries as prestige etc of your school/prior employers is not as crucial here as it is in the US
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