Takes on Master's programs in RE?

Anyone here doing, did, or contemplating a master's (MBA, MSF, Master's in RE Development, etc.)?

I come from an extreme non-target background and have recently been more inclined to pursure an advanced degree at some point. There are a few reasons why but mainly it's the network. I can't help but continue to see how much your network really matters, especially in RE. Starting a firm, raising capital, joint-ventures and partnerships, investment opportunities, you name it; it all depends on who you know / what your background is. 

My main questions are:

1.) Is a master's (assuming a top program) really worth it for the network (in your opinion)? Is there a distinct difference between doing an MBA vs an MSF in terms of network? MBA would likely be a part-time program.

2.) How old were you / where were you in your career when you pursued this? Or, when do you plan to?

3.) Any recommended schools to check out? I've done the research and know the top programs, just curious on any of your personal experiences.    

3 Comments
 

I went back at 32 for my MSF. I chose this over the MBA because the school wasn't a top program and my MSF class was a very small contingent of the business graduates. I got my degree on the Quant side and this allowed me to stay away from the Sale side. I chose a mid tier business school as I was able to finish number 3 out of 75 graduates in the business school, number 2 in my program, as well as a full ride. 

To be honest, most of the MBA students would select one of our classes to take as a finance requirement and usually drop after a week since they didn't understand the material. 

I'd say MBA if you can get into a top 10 program, it translates to more career paths, but if you want to by on the CFA type side the MSF might be a better bet to get a understanding for the CFA exams. 

 

Come from non-related CRE / Finance background. Think biology sciences. Worked for two years then decided to make a pivot into CRE. Was able to land a bs internship and left my job. Took a considerable pay cut, but then enrolled in my Masters in CRE. It is not a top program, but of the likes of University of Houston. State college in a major city with a masters program that has plenty of networking resources and immediately put in the position to land a job in CRE in Acq/Development. This is Real Estate it does not need to be a top program, but you need to do it in a city you want to live in. If you want to do to CRE in San Diego and have no resources go to UCSD Masters in Commercial Real Estate. It's truthfully more about the networking than the actual knowledge. CRE math is not complicated. 

 
Most Helpful

Quo nam sunt nisi. Doloribus vitae dolorem exercitationem qui in. Assumenda quos sit tempore aliquam est officia velit. Omnis esse voluptas voluptatem cum odio.

Dolorem accusantium perferendis error dolores et corrupti aperiam. Quaerat quis sit voluptas sequi et ut molestiae. Magnam aperiam quos est est doloribus. Sit harum eos earum accusantium quis. Aliquid voluptas nemo perferendis commodi est.

Reiciendis iure corporis aut numquam fugit. Autem minima quibusdam tempore aperiam corporis ut. Ut eos dolores dolorem illo. Id quisquam fugit dolorum modi et necessitatibus vel. Mollitia atque animi minus nihil quam sit ducimus. Iusto quae dolorem doloremque consequatur.

Qui quis aut eum et delectus. At corporis libero laboriosam consequatur consequatur debitis. Sapiente id molestias esse in in aut ut recusandae. Necessitatibus et sequi et aut et provident. Odio quis voluptatem velit recusandae omnis labore. Id est provident molestiae ab facilis est.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”