Hi guys, I will be attending an M7 MBA program coming this fall and want to transition from an architectural project management role to development or Asset Management in the US. Im international, so how hard is it to break into a US development firm such as Tishman, Hines, CIM Group, or Related if you have no experience in the U.S or local market - however I will be gaining some skills through the MBA. Im not sure to focus my efforts in recruiting in the US to gain some international experience or just focus in my home country, I know people in my home country value US experience so it would be valuable if I could stay, but imagine it is very hard for an international - any tips how I can maximize my opportunities ?
Any thoughts would be appreciated it!
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It's certainly doable from an MBA business schools ">M7. I would say it really depends on how well you speak English. I'm assuming you don't have a problem with that since you'll be attending a top MBA program. I personally know a few internationals who have secured internships/jobs at the places you mentioned from a top 20 program.
It will be an uphill battle for sure, but my recommendation would be to network your ass off. Especially if you can connect with someone from your own country.
Thanks Sparky! Great to hear its doable although its an up hill battle! My home country is in a big political crisis haha you can probably guess the country... so as you can imagine it might be hard to find people interested in investing there or locals investing in the U.S. But you never know! Other than ULI, Local conferences, any other great resources to network with local players and get myself in the loop?
You can certainly break into those companies from a top business school. I would focus hard on getting a development internship during the summer between your first and second years and also take some English classes to continue to improve your grammar.
Great! Thats my focus - in getting a development gig over the summer. Im not too worried about my english, as I did my undergrad in the UK, but know its a little rusty after living in my home country for the past 4 years. Super excited for the next 2 years.
It will be important to understand that real estate companies typically do not sponsor visas. It is very rare for international students to get hired by US development firms.
It is an uphill battle for international folks going into CRE/development which is why I especially help people like you since I see the intelligence and work ethic. Depending on your country of origin, you can find affinity with certain active developers / investors that are investing in the US market. Slavic-speaking and Chinese are two examples of friends I advised who are making names for themselves.
I want to see your global-ness as an inspiration. You witnessing change and impact of global capital flows and how you want to be the money guy/gal in your home market. To me, these folks are who you want to meet at a MBA business schools ">M7.
Odog thanks for the comment, im curious to understand how you help internationals? Is it a service you provide or just classmates you knew and helped out? I know, If i was Chinese that would help my recruiting efforts, with the amount of Chinese investors and developers entering the US market.
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