Thoughts on NYU Schack MS in RE while working full time

I'm a recent college graduate that just accepted a full time role in NYC on a good team in CRE capital markets. It's a well known firm so I'll learn a lot quickly, which is really exciting and I want to hit the ground running. However, before receiving the offer I applied to the MS in Real Estate Investment at NYU Schack just in case nothing full-time worked out. After accepting the full-time role, I was accepted to the NYU program for the fall. 

I'm strongly considering doing the NYU program part-time while working full-time because I think it will be a good learning experience and hedge for my non-traditional major, and of course for the connections. I'm from a semi-target, and working hard/doing everything I can to find opportunities has been a major part of my story as a student and this seems like a way to prove that dedication to CRE through action. I have strong internship experience in CRE and a series of extracurriculars (clubs/case competitions) that are directly relevant to the field. I also think it might be a nice way to speak about my story, as that desire to grind/improve resonates with many in the industry. I'd really love to hear any advice that people might have, especially about the true value of the MS or if just going 100% in on the job would be smarter. Thanks!

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, pursuing the NYU Schack MS in Real Estate part-time while working full-time in CRE capital markets can be a strategic move, but it depends on your goals and capacity to manage both commitments effectively. Here are some key considerations:

  1. Value of the MSRE:

    • The NYU Schack MSRE is highly regarded in the NYC real estate market, offering a strong alumni network and a curriculum focused on practical skills like financial modeling, capital markets, and private equity. This can complement your current role and help you build deeper expertise in CRE.
    • It’s particularly beneficial if you want to "rebrand" or strengthen your credentials, especially given your non-traditional major. The program can also open doors to networking opportunities and internships that may not be accessible through your job alone.
  2. Balancing Work and Study:

    • Working full-time in CRE capital markets while pursuing the MSRE part-time is demanding. You’ll need to allocate 10-15 hours per week for school, including 6 hours of class time, 2-3 hours of commuting, and 2-4 hours of homework/reading. Ensure you can handle this workload without compromising your performance at work.
    • Some students in similar situations have found success by slowing down the program (taking fewer classes) to better balance work, study, and networking.
  3. Networking and Career Impact:

    • The NYU Schack program offers significant networking opportunities, especially in NYC, where the alumni network is deeply embedded in the real estate industry. Leveraging these connections can be a game-changer for your career.
    • However, if your current role already provides strong networking opportunities and a clear path for growth, focusing 100% on excelling at your job might yield similar or better results.
  4. Opportunity Cost:

    • Consider the financial and time investment of the MSRE. While it’s less expensive than a top MBA, it’s still a significant commitment. If your current role offers substantial learning and growth opportunities, the opportunity cost of splitting your focus might outweigh the benefits of the degree.
  5. Long-Term Goals:

    • If your ultimate goal is to stay in CRE and advance within the industry, the MSRE can be a valuable asset. However, if you’re aiming for roles at top-tier firms like Blackstone, an MBA from an M7 school might carry more weight.

In summary, the NYU Schack MSRE can be a great way to enhance your credentials, expand your network, and deepen your expertise in CRE. However, it’s essential to assess whether you can manage the workload alongside your full-time job and whether the program aligns with your long-term career goals. If you’re confident in your ability to balance both and see clear value in the degree for your career trajectory, it’s worth pursuing. Otherwise, focusing entirely on excelling in your current role might be the smarter move.

Sources: NYU Masters Real Estate vs. Non-Ivy MBA, MBA or Masters of Science in Real Estate??, MSRE vs. MBA decision - looking for opinions based on my situation/interests, My 8-month real estate finance internship journey + some general thoughts on NYU's MSRE, NYU Part-time MBA doable while working 60-70 hrs?

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

You have good cre internships and you just landed a good role in capital markets. Now would be the absolute worst time to go to grad school. Focus on your new job because you'll prob be working long hours. The last thing you want to do is tell your boss you have to leave early to go to some grad program when you haven't even entered the work force. Do not start grad school now.

 

Seems really silly to start now if you're starting a new job in CRE at the same time. Get the experience under your belt first and then see if you want to revisit. But you've already broken into the industry.

 

Nor does the industry care about your major nor the school you went to. It’s not banking. It’s all about tangible experience and relationships you build. 

 

I was about half way through the NYU program before beginning full time work. If I had a good offer lined up before entering then I might have saved myself ~$100k+ without the program. That said, the networking opportunities within the program grew exponentially once I was in the industry vs. being a FT college student. My company also wanted me to finish the degree so they were flexible if I needed to miss some time from work. 

 

 

Ex dolores et itaque quo nihil. Recusandae nisi quidem consectetur eos quia qui. Labore nisi asperiores et deserunt ipsam id perspiciatis.

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 (67) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”