Need career help
I graduated from Temple university majored in accounting. Worked with few companies doing real estate/property accounting for 4 years now. I want to get into analyst at REPE firm to advance my career into investments in real estate. That’s where my interest is. I got into Master in Financial management program at Boston university (non-stem)to get more finance knowledge before I apply. Do you think the school is right for my career path? What else can I do? Can I just apply with bachelors in accounting? Thanks for all your help here.
I don't think the BU program would be a good route to go if you're considering grad school to help make the move. You could probably get into a MSRE/MRED program that might generate better results for you. I might even suggest an MBA too for a better reset and a better shot. Networking not getting you far, or are too many just seeing you as accountant?
Boston University program focuses on Investment Analysis and CFA test. Do you think this wouldn’t help me for getting an analyst job at REPE? Do you think Masters in Real estate from Georgetown University is good option or MBA from RICE. I honestly need to get started on networking but since COVID, its been hard other than linkedin but no I think I can start contact recruiters in finance. Thanks for your reply!
No, I don't think the BU program would help you out. If you're going to shell out money for school, it should be RE focused in a masters or MBA program. I'd steer clear of doing it online too, attend in person to network with people. As for Rice MBA vs Gtown MSRE, I've not seen that comparison before so i don't know what to best advise you on with that. Right now, the application cycle for fall enrollment is nearly over for most programs at this point, so just research into different programs and prepare for the next cycle. In the meantime, network and cold email people in spots you want to see yourself in and get advice on how to get into those roles. Recruiters won't really be all that helpful, so don't spend so much time reaching out to them.
If you want to be in real estate investments, I think you should look at the MS or MBA programs focused solely on real estate. Don't do the BU program as it is just finance. If you want to look to an MS, look at NYU, Columbia, or Georgetown. Cornell may have an MS program too, you should check. Or look to an MBA focused on real estate. Might as well take a direct route and not a roundabout route.
Real estate is also generally open for networking. You may be able to make the switch via networking. Many asset management jobs like previous accountants as there is a lot of work reading and reporting on financial statements.
Can confirm. I did a masters of finance but only got an investments job from pure networking and luck. I wouldn’t get a masters unless you need it for a network, it’s easier to just get a job in the industry (appraisal, brokerage, valuations) then pivot to investments
I need to get started in networking. I think LinkedIn and calling recruiters who specialize in finance jobs. Any other ideas for networking. Kind of hard during this COVID.
The Boston University program focuses on Investment analysis/CFA. Do you think this may not help in REPE analyst job? Georgetown has Master in Real estate, do you think that would be a good option? RICE mba has RE option too. Due to Covid, network has been difficult but not I’m thinking of reaching out to recruiters. Any other ideas on networking? Thanks for your reply!
It may it may not, none of us can really tell you what the outcome is. Sure, you probably can go do the BU program and get into real estate. But if you want to work in real estate, and you want an MS degree, why not go get a focused MS on real estate. Alternatively, if you want an MBA, why not go get an MBA with a real estate focus? Why take a roundabout way to get to where you want to go.
you need a big push to get out of that shit and into a serious real estate job. even if you go to a decent graduate program you will need to be a serious hustler to network your way into a good spot. i would also recommend spending time in brokerage just to distance yourself from the bean counters.
I realize networking is a major need for my switch. Besides linkedin and contacting recruiters, do you have any other ideas for network? Thanks for all your help.
Apologies if I am reading this the wrong way, but your last question leads me to believe you have yet to apply to any of the jobs you claim to be interested in. If that is the case, your first move should be talking to people, not going back for an MBA or Masters in Real Estate, and definitely not the program you were accepted into.
You need to start networking with people in the industry and applying to roles directly. You should set a goal to have 2 meetings / calls a week. If you do that for a year and still can't get a job, then maybe you should consider grad school so that you can try to get an internship while in the program.
Thanks for your insight. It’s been difficult to network face to face due to COVID. Other than linkedin and contacting recruiters, do you have any other ways to network? The program I got into Boston University- focuses on investment analysis, do you think this will not help me with REPE analyst jobs? Or do you recommend a program that is remote learning because I have a job and need to pay bills. I know Georgetown has Masters in Real Estate. Do you recommend that instead?
I concur with all the other posters saying you should go for a MSRE / MRED program. I do not think the Boston University program will help with REPE analyst jobs. I have found that as an industry-switching candidate people are uninterested in graduate credentials for the most part, and a Masters in Finance is not going to help at all. I really wish I would have done a MSRE / MRED instead of my MBA program. I would look at Columbia / MIT / USC instead of Georgetown as they have better recognition.
Dude you need to get on the phone and talk to people! Do not rely on recruiters, job postings, or linkedin. You need to send an email to John Smith, Director at XYZ Capital asking if he would be willing to talk with you about his career. If he says yes, explain your interests and goals, and ask for help (referrals) and advice. Then you need to repeat that 100+ times.
Networking is an essential skill in this business. Even if you do choose to go to grad school you will need to pound the pavement and do what I describe above in order to get a job. I get that it can be uncomfortable, but it is not only necessary to get a job in this business, but it is an essential component of the job itself. Good luck!
You're acting like an accountant, you need to act more like a used car salesman if you wanna get ahead on the investment side.
A lot of people will meet for coffee during covid, not everybody's a pussy about covid
So, I looked at what I think is the website for this program at BU, and it seems super corporate finance/investments focused. Not even close to the type of coursework I would recommend for real estate (not even a real estate or private equity type course or elective, if I saw the right list, but the class on White Collar Crime may help j/k lol).
Plus, you have a degree in accounting, so people are probably going to believe you understand financial analysis and can do math, thus the marginal gain of an MSF will be limited for you.
I would look at MSRE/D programs and MBAs with legit real estate concentrations, better use of your time and money.
Thanks Redever. I’m doing my research now for the RE MBA or MSRE. I live in Texas/Dallas so my options are limited. Cant relocate either because I have a house here. So, I’m looking into SMU/COX. It’s well recognized here. But I also found Georgetown University Masters in Professional Studies in Real Estate, its online so my work wont be hindered. Any thoughts on that? Thanks for all your help here.
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