Breaking into Acquisitions/Development - Which Route to Take?

B-school student (semi-target) currently on summer internship, looking for some guidance on what to do post-grad with an end goal of breaking into acquisitions or development. I have a 3.8 GPA and have taken a very finance-heavy course load, if that changes anything.

I am currently interning in a strategy and analytics role at a top 5 developer/operator, and am 99% sure I have a return offer on the table to come back and fill this role. The role is a mix of typical data analytics and heavy financial analysis for a few specific routine projects the team has set up - the financial work is very light on modeling however, just basic three statement modeling on occasion, and is more focused on basic financial statement analysis. On the other hand, I also have a line on a role in leveraged finance and high yield loans.

Considering that my end goal is to break into either acquisitions or development on the real estate side (I have some interest in PE, but ultimately I'm far more passionate about real estate), which of these would be a better place to start if I want to move into one of those areas afterwards? Obviously the leveraged finance role gives me more hands on modeling and finance credibility, but I know RE is a very small industry so I also wonder if having a foot in the door already is a better way in through a less finance-oriented role and heavy networking with a huge industry name on my resume.

Thanks for any help folks!

 

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Hope that helps.

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What was your work experience before b-school?

I would say the leveraged finance brokerage role is a better bet. The former sounds like a back office FP&A role--careful with those, as most developers/deal guys frequently equate those positions with corporate finance, and not necessarily real estate at all. I say the brokerage role (presumably a broker) because you will be able to build up a rolodex of principal investors more quickly, which gives you better chances of making a lateral transition based on those relationships.

 

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