Seeking Advice

Hi all

I’m currently working as an associate at one of the megafunds, but honestly, my role is mostly focused on portfolio-level deal processing or large-scale co-investments. It feels like I’m wasting valuable time since I’m not on the operator side. Being on the principal side but stuck in portfolio management doesn’t seem like the best position if I want to build a solid career in real estate.

Another thing that bugs me is my background - I’m from a semi-target school (think Rice, SMU, Texas A&M, etc.). I’m seriously considering doing an MBA at UT or somewhere on the East Coast (Columbia, Wharton, Harvard, etc.) to pivot into operator roles while gaining some credentials.

Some people tell me I have a “champagne problem” and should be grateful for where I’m at now, but I feel like I’m done being in an allocator GP-type role. Am I being too naive, or is this a solid move?

I’ve got a friend working in actual development operations at Trammell Crow, and man, I can’t help but envy his position. Any advice from this community would mean the world to me—thanks in advance!