I'm trying to break into CRE acquisitions/development with 2 years of non-related work experience and a bachelor of arts (economics) for my UG. I've been applying to jr fin and fin analyst positions, and I've been going through the interview process for a Jr. Financial Analyst position in acquisitions, and I performed well on the assignment they gave me but I can tell my lack of a finance-related degree is a real sour point for them (job posting asked for specifically finance/RE related UG).
My question is do you think completing the 3-month Cornell online CRE certificate would show potential employers that I'm serious about CRE and have the necessary base-knowledge required for an entry-level position?
I've done the REFM cert. and some of their courses, but it doesn't mean much when the employer has never heard of REFM before, plus I think the Cornell cert might have some beneficial info other than just the financial modeling aspect (which I've done lots of research on). Also, it takes like 5 hours to do the whole REFM cert and 3 months to do the Cornell cert (something like 60 hours).
I know it's not the most cost-effective way to get the knowledge covered, but I'm just trying to find a way to not have my resume thrown out by the hiring lead (for not checking the boxes on my UG and exp) before I can explain myself or show them my modeling.
Also should mention the course is 30% off right now, bringing it from $3,600 to $2,520. Does anybody have any reasons why I shouldn't do the cert? Is there a better way to show I'm serious about CRE?
Can't give any insight on that specific cert, but I'd just focus on building a network and finding a job through that network. Seems to be the way to go in this industry.
I'd do the cert. I've seen some responses on this forum saying that the Cornell (or other) online certs are not worth it or won't be the reason you get/don't get an interview, etc. However, the guys responding with that probably have better experience and/or more closely aligned schooling than yourself. So while it may not add much to their resume, it could be far more significant for you.
I am actually in the middle of the program right now. 4 courses in out of the 6. I have a few years of really good acquisitions experience on the buy-side, but my schooling is less strong. Although it's only a cert, I figure it will give the education portion of my resume a bit of a boost where it was lacking before as I begin the job hunt again.
No matter who you are, it can't HURT to tack on this cert to your resume, and at only $2,500 and ~5 hours a week the opportunity cost is tiny. I guess it comes down to whether you are the kind of person who would be bothered to spend some time/money/effort on self-education. What would you spend it on otherwise?
Look into the MIT one as well. Not focused on hotels and is similar price range.
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