Taking A Non-Deal Role To Get Me Through This Down Cycle

Imagine a scenario: Acquisitions associate/vp level person is laid off today. The only role provided to them is a non-deal role (no AM, no Acq., no Development)

Would it be wise to take a real estate role that is non-deal oriented for a year or two, and then reapply to Acquisitions at prestigious REPE's/AM's once the market gets hot again?

Also--don't say MBA, lol.

5 Comments
 

What do you mean by provided? At the same shop? If so I would take that while starting to look elsewhere 

if not at the same shop and it was all I could get atm + needed money then I would still take it and continue looking

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights:

  1. Taking a Non-Deal Role:

    • Short-Term Strategy: Accepting a non-deal role can be a strategic move to stay within the real estate industry during a down cycle. It allows you to maintain industry connections, stay updated on market trends, and continue building your resume.
    • Long-Term Prospects: Once the market rebounds, your continued presence in the industry, even in a non-deal role, can make you a more attractive candidate for acquisitions roles at prestigious REPEs or AMs. Employers value consistent industry experience and the ability to adapt during challenging times.
  2. Alternative Pathways:

    • Networking: Use this period to network extensively. Attend industry events, engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, and stay connected with former colleagues. Networking can open doors to future opportunities in acquisitions.
    • Skill Enhancement: Consider taking relevant courses or certifications to enhance your skill set. For example, an Argus course or a real estate modeling course can make you more competitive when reapplying for acquisitions roles.
  3. Industry Insights:

    • Real Estate Cycles: The real estate industry is cyclical, and downturns are often followed by periods of growth. Staying in the industry, even in a non-deal role, positions you to capitalize on opportunities when the market improves.
    • Experience Over Degrees: In real estate, practical experience often trumps academic qualifications. As highlighted in previous WSO threads, firms may prefer candidates with hands-on experience over those with advanced degrees but less practical exposure.

In summary, taking a non-deal role during a down cycle can be a wise move. It keeps you engaged in the industry, allows you to build and maintain connections, and positions you well for future acquisitions roles when the market recovers.

Sources: Career Advice: Family Office (RE Developer) --> MBA --> REPE, Q&A: Non-Target State School with 3.1 GPA to REPE Acquisitions in Major Market, Switching from Big 4 to Acquisitions: My Story, REPE Megafund Asset Management Comp, How Would You “re-do” Your RE Job Hunt?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

If you were offered to do y at your same company vs fired take the job lol. People are still getting laid off and many are still looking in the 6-12 month range. Everyone wants to do acquisitions all day but in reality if you want to own real estate you have to know different areas. Just take the job and in a year you may be one of the only people left as others in acquisitions and development had the mindset they were too good and decided to leave, you can then actually jump back and say hey guys I was doing acquisitions for 2-3 years before this seems the market is picking up can I start to head up that process and you leveled up a few spots but showing you're willing to do what's needed and hopefully they reward your loyalty. Seems like it's a decent company for giving you the option instead of just firing you.

 

I would do it depending on how desolate your recruiting landscape looks / how long it starts taking to get a new job.

It's not uncommon to see people who have really strong resumes do a short stint somewhere random in between two banger IB/PE jobs. For example, dude goes Associate -> Partner at an UMM PE firm, then gets burnt out or pushed out and works at some random Consulting firm with one of his MBA buddies for a year and a half while he rides out his non-compete, before joining another UMM PE firm as an MD/Partner.

Of course if you already have a jumpy resume and/or minimal actual deal experience this is a less quality option.

 

Quibusdam qui voluptates sit in animi est rerum quia. Alias corporis suscipit cupiditate error recusandae. Aut unde fuga optio veniam qui. Rerum quod in dolores blanditiis rem.

Et in eius reprehenderit error. Nesciunt laborum provident voluptate in consequatur omnis qui delectus. Minus optio et et ut magni facilis. Beatae hic voluptatem consequatur aspernatur.

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 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 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 (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”