Underwriting Analyst looking for insight

Hi all,

I’m currently an underwriting analyst at a GSE, in a niche group that does both direct balance sheet lending as well as structured product underwriting. I have one year of great experience and I want to slowly start thinking about my next move. I’ve been fortunate to have significant deal flow for conventional and affordable multifamily housing, as well as student, senior, and HIDD housing.

I’m extremely interested in eventually making the jump to work in private equity, either on the equity side or the credit side. I’m interested in the equity side to understand the mental models/mindset that go into analyzing an investment looking to earn the upside. I’m interested in the credit side because I enjoy the technicality of it, and I’d like to invest in different levels of the capital stack

However, instead of a traditional REPE role, I’d like to make the shift to real assets. I’d like to work at a shop where I can still do RE, but expand my horizons and also invest in things like Infrastructure, energy, and project finance.

The million dollar question is how I can go from point A (where I am now) to point B (Real Assets private equity/private credit). Aside from networking, how should I be thinking about my next potential career move (job role, firm type, etc..) Is it reasonable to think I can go from A to B? Or do I need to look to make a stop at an investment bank, brokerage, or grad school along the way.

Thanks