I am working for a Real Estate developer and do financial analysis and other projects. I, however, do not use Argus in the office. I have taken courses on how to use it and understand the program but I do not have day to day experience with it. The roles I have been looking to transition to are wanting me to have more experience with Argus.
would taking the certification course help promote my skills?
Any thoughts on developing the necessary skills to make my next move?
| +48 | Being asked to stay behind and train my replacement | 14 | 2d | |
| +39 | New Comp Database - Google Form (Now with Data Validation) | 24 | 1s | |
| +30 | What does REPE actually do? | 12 | 22h | |
| +25 | Leave brokerage to be GP | 1 | 12h | |
| +24 | Public Homebuilders | 9 | 1d | |
| +23 | Seeking Career Guidance in Real Estate Development Post-Graduation | 3 | 3h | |
| +22 | REPE/Development GPA | 15 | 1d | |
| +17 | MSRE/MSRED with no RE experience; Naive to think I’ll land a job afterwards? | 4 | 3d | |
| +16 | UC Berkeley MRED vs Columbia MSRED? | 2 | 4d | |
| +15 | Hospitality Finance - Perks? | 3 | 6d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
There's a real estate forum where you have a better chance of getting answered
Honestly,
Something like Argus being so damn costly, you're going to be hard pressed to get too much experience on it unless you have it.
Have you considered working up a proposal to maybe get it, even a single license for the company and show how it'll benefit everyone (be a little intra-salesperson). Currently doing this with construction's equivalent of software? Maybe see if they have a demo, and you could demo it out and get really good on it.
Otherwise I would suggest you just do something glike the developer eLearning courses. Something like $95/a piece.
If your organization works closely with a brokerage, ask them if you can come in some time and use it. Our brokers bend over backwards to keep us happy. I'm sure they'd be willing to let you come in from time to time and give it a whirl.
mpaur13- I would recommend applying to any position requiring Argus because if it is a big enough or worthy company to work for anyway, they will most likely pay for classes for you to learn the software. I would apply to a position in CMBS Special Servicing- they usually pay for any Argus training PLUS if you want true exposure to various asset types across the US, learn Argus, UW, and CRE Asset MGMT well...you will get all this out of them. It is a grind and you will sometimes work till 4am and on a Sunday BUT I promise you will get ten years of experience in 2 or 3 years...you'd be amazed how much RE exposure you get out of Special Servicers if you put in the effort and thirst for learning. If this is not your cup of tea, then I'd recommend taking courses in Argus but not necessary to spend $1,500 to get certified (no one cares about the certification).....just once you know the software after taking classes....go to interview and throw in some Argus functions (sound like you know it) and they'll perceive you as Argus literate....just my two cents....anyway, you will learn it once you start using- it's common sense and starts making sense if you put in the effort....
UTDFinanceGuy Unfortunately we don't use Argus anywhere in the company. Our owner doesn't believe in it. We develop from land acquisition and hold long term with all services internal (construction, leasing, management). We are the largest privately held industrial developer in the nation but things are still done old school. sbma777 Thanks for your thoughts and advice. I did take an Argus course at UCLA last fall so I understand and know the program. I am trying to find a role where I can learn more, not just in Argus but in general.
Are you in NYC? NYU's real estate school offers Argus workshops for $300-600. I took the Beginner Argus workshop and found that the teacher had tons of real-world experience and was extremely helpful. I later took a job that req'd Argus experience and what I learned from the class was a sufficient foundation for me to work off of.
mpaur13- I share your opinion on learning as much possible in general...good exposure to CRE in general and across various asset types always available when working for a lender...CMBS shop, Hedge fund divisions investing in B-Pieces, Special Servicers, maybe originators (only if their team deals with all CRE asset types so you don't limit yourself), large private equity investing in CRE, and alike....look into those...you'll get good exposure Accretive to resume value. You should be ok on getting the job with your current Argus exposure and u will only improve your Argus competencies as time passes!
sbma777 Could you go a bit more into detail about the pros and cons of roles you mention above? Specifically the CMBS Special Servicer roles. I.e. job responsibilities, technical skills required and acquired, exit opps, etc.
Aut atque enim velit error vel. Rerum sint sed eaque. Doloremque harum ut dolor architecto sit tempora.
Officiis natus illum maiores porro sit natus. Magnam nihil eum non placeat error voluptates culpa voluptas. Aut est quo nostrum voluptas. Architecto modi omnis dolorum cum voluptates ab maiores.
Harum voluptate quia id. Tenetur cum ducimus voluptatum illum unde recusandae. Enim illum vel qui saepe itaque non. Assumenda animi excepturi perspiciatis ut a quod natus. Fugiat animi saepe sit repudiandae quis. Error quaerat est velit omnis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...