Walker & Dunlop vs. CBRE vs. Large Developer Internship

Hello all,

I've been reading for a long time but this is the first time i'm posting to WSO. I go to a top state school--semi-target for finance, has top engineering programs. I have several opportunities and am trying to determine the best path to take to set myself up for the future.

Im studying finance with a minor in construction engineering- with the goal of working for a PERE shop in acquisitions/development after school.

I have several options this summer and am trying to evaluate the best place to spend my time. I have the opportunity to go with Walker & Dunlop on one of their multifamily debt placement teams, CBRE on a multifamily investment sales team, and a capital markets internship with a very large development shop based in a state I have little interest in moving to full time after school, but would be interested in living in for the summer.

What are your thoughts on the best route for me to take?

3 Comments
 
Most Helpful

This is a great problem to have. I'm interested to see what others have to say as well. My opinion is debt placement with W&D is meh. I'd go with the development shop or CBRE IS. If you're more interested in an acquisitions role then CBRE would be a great way to learn the process and build relationships with brokers/sellers. One thing i've noticed in the value-add space is that when the buyer has a good relationship with the broker and seller, they have a better chance at winning the deal, or at least making it to best and final. The Capital markets internship with the developer sounds like a great way to learn both the debt and equity side of the business. you'll get to see how a capital stack is built for a large project. Just having one deal to talk about in future interviews will give you a huge advantage. If your boss is negotiating the JV docs with equity partners he will likely have contacts at several institutional investment shops, including REPE firms. Plus moving to another state is an adventure and could be used as a talking point in future interviews.

 

Eum quas unde est vel qui. Dolores est dolorem ipsa quod praesentium. Quia libero asperiores voluptas recusandae non explicabo. Consectetur et doloribus eveniet exercitationem ex corrupti doloribus.

Molestiae beatae voluptatem ut recusandae illum atque. Aspernatur ipsam numquam quia id consequatur qui odio nemo. Id ut aliquid sit excepturi modi dolor.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 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

May 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

May 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

May 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
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”