Q: Interesting starting path into RE

Hello Wallstreetoasis-ers,

I have been lurking through these forums for quite a while now but I have decided to make the jump to sign up after reading many, many threads//getting the feeling that there are people on here that want to genuinely help you. Before I begin, I just want to preface my post to say that I am aware Wallstreetoasis obviously has an IB-slant, but I am aware that there are people on here that are quite well rounded in the RE field.

I am a recent graduate of arguably the best Canadian university. My cGPA from my 3 best years is ~3.4, which is mediocre in the grand scheme of things. Here's the catch: I graduated from a major in a social science (think a department like Anthropology/Sociology/IDS) and a minor in science. I realized quite late on in my university career that real estate (every type except industrial, probably) was where one of my major passions lay. I was lucky enough to actually get a summer position at a reputable/global bank in Hong Kong right after my graduation, so that put some business-y/related work experience under my belt (as opposed to my only other job working in a scientific laboratory). I have lots, and I mean lots, of leadership experience in university though, but in this world, I don't think extracurricular leadership really negates work experience.

15-25 years down the road, if I reach the success of this man, I will be pretty satisfied with where my career has gone: http://www.ctbuh.org/AboutCTBUH/OrganizationPeopl…

However, I am quite at a loss as to what I should do at this moment. I want to work in a RE development company, but many seem to only hire from the finance IB side of things?? I'm quite confused as to where a 'switcher' should start out, while trying to grow into RED? I've looked into applying for the Bloomberg Sales/Analysis program to gain some industry knowledge, but it seems like the exit opps from that aren't the best either. I would really appreciate any guidance/advice/criticism at this point!!

 

Given your background (non Architecture, etc...) your best bet is to start as an analyst in the acquisition or Asset Management function of companies that own / invest in real estate. An alternative is finance / real estate banking and then trying to move into a more general real estate development role after gaining experience.

A masters in real estate development or an MBA with a concentration in real estate in the future might help (provided you get relevant experience beforehand).

 

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