MSRED or MBA

Hi all -

I have spent the the last 4 years in CRE valuation / consulting at a Big 4 accounting firm. The last year and a half I have been on an international rotation within the firm. The work is diverse and complex relative to a lot of valuation roles and I have picked up a lot of modeling / Argus experience and worked on all asset classes around the world.

profile:
GPA - 3.7 (non target)
GMAT - 710

However, I want to transition out of the valuation / consulting side and to work for an REPE shop. The ultimate goal would be to start my own fund, but I obviously need more experience before I go that route.

I have seen conflicting reports on the value of an MSRED(MIT or USC are my tops) for making the transition, but I do not know if my profile is strong enough for a top 10 MBA (the only way the ROI would be worth it to me since I'm set on staying in CRE).

What degree would be the most beneficial for me to make the transition?

Also (understanding this may be the wrong forum for this but thought I would ask):

  • Is my profile strong enough for USC / MIT /NYU MSRED
  • How much would I have to raise my GMAT for a Top 10 MBA (feel like this is the part of my profile I have the most control over at this stage)
 
Most Helpful

Hmm.. I would apply both MSREDs and MBAs, then compare the offers you get. Frankly, it sounds like you have a good amount of true real estate exp. that the 'educational' need for MSRE/D is lower than those wanting to transition from a complete non-CRE background.

Given your GPA/GMAT/work experience, I'm pretty sure you would get into USC and NYU for their MSREDs very easily (it's not that competitive), I'd guess you would get into MIT as well, but it is a smaller, more selective program so just naturally harder.

I am not so familiar with what top MBA programs are looking for, you sound like a 'well rounded' candidate but again it is more competitive overall. I'd apply for sure, the cost factor will be higher for the top MBA but it is probably a better credential and network for top REPE by far.

Good luck!

 

I'm a year or so younger than you but from what I've seen my peers do, your profile is plenty strong for both USC and NYU - you can easily get into both with your stats. MIT you also would have a good chance at, former coworker of mine got in with a 670 GMAT and 3.6 GPA with 3 years w/e.

I don't know how top MBA programs work, but still your stats are solid and you could for sure get into a Top 15 program and probably some Top 10 (someone can confirm or deny). Depending on what you decide you want, I'd dual track them both and then make the final decision when you have options. It comes down to what you personally want to gain out of the program and whether cost outweighs network, prospects, etc.

 

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