Transitioning to AM/Acquisitions from Investment Sales

Hey everyone,

I am approaching one year at my current role as an analyst at an upper-mid tier brokerage mainly focusing on multifamily. I made the career switch late in college to focus on RE and only had one relevant internship (small brokerage shop). This was my best offer ($65k + 10% bonus yr1) and took it. It has been great exposure being able to underwrite a high volume of deals and be able to learn more about the overall industry, but I know long term it likely isn’t for me. I learned a lot during my first 6 months, but my skill set now isn’t really growing much in this role and any new information I learn is mainly about my market and information specific to the area.

I am interested in acquisitions and asset management because I think I’ll learn a lot and would develop a stronger understanding of asset operations. Down the road I can always go back to brokerage, but I think transitioning to the other side of the business and working as an analyst at a reputable REPE firm would be extremely beneficial to me down the road. I am also completely ok with working the long hours (currently working 40/week).

Has anyone else been on a similar path as me or has done this exact route? Also any insight on which side of the business provides more fulfilling work and better exit ops?

For some more context I went to a reputable state school (top 20), graduated in finance, strong GPA, and had one other analyst role internship for a VC in college my junior year. Am I a competitive candidate as an entry analyst at a mid-upper mid REPE firm?