Where to start for Exit Ops?

Hello WSO,

I'm currently in undergrad studying finance at a pretty decent state school. I'm very passionate about commercial real estate, finance, and investments. I have been working as a finance associate (nothing crazy - family business), as well as I have some experience by participating in expansion deals that are pretty real estate heavy. Also, I'm currently taking classes in the grad school for a masters in real estate development since my university offers it.

I really want to get into a good real estate career that will allow me to learn a lot, and get some good experience that will allow me to begin investing my own capital and create myself a well rounded portfolio to which I can then potentially turn into a full time career. I wouldn't mind working for a good company either as long as I'm being compensated well 5-10 years in.

What would be a good job to try to get after college? Is this kind of like IB? Start in the sell side then transfer to the buy side (REPE)?

what are some top commercial real estate companies on the west coast? what experience should I try to have to be a competitive CRE candidate in the job market? HFF, JLL, Eastdil.. etc?

Any help is much appreciated, thanks!!