Studied Business Administration and Marketing in college. Want to be a RE analyst, what do I do?
I recently graduated in June 2022 with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Currently, I've been working for about 1.5 years at a real estate media company (essentially we are a marketing platform for any RE player that has closed a deal). While I initially thought combining marketing with real estate would be a perfect fit, I've come to realize that I'm more drawn towards the analytical aspects of the real estate industry.
Many of my friends have pursued careers as real estate analysts, having completed internships during their college summers. Their work has always fascinated me, and I've developed a strong interest in transitioning into a similar role.
However, I understand that I'm at a bit of a disadvantage due to my lack of finance-related experience. Nevertheless, I'm eager to bridge this gap and break into real estate.
I'm open to dedicating the next year to studying and preparing myself for this transition before actively seeking job opportunities in the field if thats what it takes. Just want to hear from some of you if you think this is even feasible.
I would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations from those experienced in real estate analysis on how best to pursue this career transition.
Thank you in advance!
Based on the most helpful WSO content and insights from previous WSO threads, transitioning into a real estate analyst role from a background in Business Administration and Marketing is definitely feasible, especially with your current experience in a real estate media company. Here are some actionable steps and recommendations to help bridge the gap and prepare you for a career in real estate analysis:
Leverage Your Current Experience: Your experience in a real estate media company is valuable. Highlight any analytical tasks you've performed or projects where you've had to analyze data or market trends. This can demonstrate your analytical skills and interest in real estate.
Educational Courses and Certifications: Consider enrolling in courses that focus on real estate finance and analysis. The MIT Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investment online course, despite its cost, is highly regarded and could provide a solid foundation in real estate education. Additionally, the CFI FMVA Certification, which includes a real estate financial modeling course, is more affordable and recognized by employers in the industry. These certifications can significantly enhance your resume and understanding of real estate analysis.
Networking: Networking is crucial in the real estate industry. Engage with professionals in the field through LinkedIn, real estate forums like WSO, and local real estate investment groups. Attend industry events and webinars to meet people and learn more about the analyst role. Your current position in a real estate media company might also offer networking opportunities with real estate professionals.
Practical Experience: Look for internships or part-time roles in real estate firms, even if they're not directly related to analysis. Gaining any experience in the real estate sector can be beneficial and might lead to opportunities in analysis.
Develop Technical Skills: Real estate analysts often use specific software and tools, such as Argus for commercial real estate analysis and Excel for financial modeling. Familiarize yourself with these tools and consider taking courses to improve your proficiency.
Craft Your Story: Be prepared to explain why you're passionate about transitioning into real estate analysis and how your background in Business Administration, Marketing, and your current role have prepared you for this career path. Your unique perspective can be an asset.
Remember, transitioning careers is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and continuous learning. Based on insights from the WSO community, many have successfully made similar transitions by following these steps. Good luck on your journey to becoming a real estate analyst!
Sources: Real Estate Career after MBA, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/real-estate/qa-real-estate-analystassociate?customgpt=1, Switching from Big 4 to Acquisitions: My Story, Resume boosters for real estate analyst roles without any real estate experience?, Graduating in 2 years, what path to take?
bump
dad or MBA. Maybe a masters at the right program.
If your standards are high like trying to be an analyst for a large institutional private equity shop right out of the gates then it may be difficult but definitely not impossible. However, I think with your qualifications and skills currently you would make you an ideal candidate for a team at a boutique brokerage where you would be handling all aspects from underwriting, creating om's, and marketing closed deals. I think targeting brokerage would be a good idea for you since a large portion of the job is essentially marketing - but make sure you get on a team that will give you reps and closes deals so that if/when you want to transition you can actually speak about deals you have taken from underwriting to closing.
At the moment, I definitely do not have very high standards. I feel there is so much for me to learn before even reaching out to an analyst to connect. Again, have 0 experience in anything finance related. Just not fully sure how to jump in and start learning.
But very eager to learn and see if I really do like it. Any recs? (courses, books, youtube channels, etc)
I've taken the Real Estate Financial Modeling Bootcamp course offered by Bruce Kirsch (google "refm Bruce Kirsch) which was very helpful as it starts at effectively ground zero with respect to excel knowledge and real estate knowledge, and also adventures in cre has plenty of great content as well as Justin Kivel and Josh Kahr on the youtube side.
This is a great book for learning about CRE: Real Estate Finance and Investments, Risks and Opportunities 5.2 by Peter Linneman and Bruce Kirsch.
First book we had to read during my MSRE.
For your situation/background, I would check out Break into CRE's "Real Estate Financial Modeling Bootcamp". It is only $30 right now and it gives you 10 hours of videos that should give you a great intro to excel, building a financial model, and an idea of what a Real Estate Analyst does. In addition, if I were you I would develop an understanding of the RE indsutry structure (brokerage, private equity, reits, etc..). I agree with the comment above that going into brokerage as an analyst will be your best bet, but you never know! Hope this helps
In sunt quia eos unde aut accusamus. Veritatis distinctio ut et ab est. Ex aut sed autem praesentium. Enim quis deleniti ea fugiat voluptatum iure. Nulla quia harum placeat sint sint.
Fuga amet sint illo. Illo iure ut dolorum et odit provident. Officiis aspernatur eos temporibus accusantium rerum dolor aut ratione.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...