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To All RE Professionals,
I am new to the forum, but would like to reach out to you all for RE career advice. My end goal is to work for a top REPE firm. All of your inputs are greatly appreciated.
Thank you all!
About me: 1st year Associate within the Commercial Real Estate Group at one of the Big 4 banks. Went to one of the Non-Target UC schools so not Cal or UCLA. GPA: 3.0. No excuses, spent too much time on social life and didn't think GPA would matter so much. I was an inmatuure kid. Past experience, worked 1 year in Beijing, China as a RE Analyst for one of the largest RE developer and investment companies in China (think Vanke, HNA Group,Wanda). Came back to the U.S., spent 2 and half years working as a an Analyst within the Commercial Real Estate Lending Group at a Regional bank in SF (think US Bank, First Republic, Union Bank, City National). Joined one of the Big 4 banks' Commercial Real Estate Group 6 months ago as a 1st year Associate. We work on a lot of deals for Blackstone and Brookfield.
Going to apply to B-School next year, mainly to focus on programs with strong RE concentrations. Took the GMAT for the first time and scored a 700. Thinking about taking it 2 more times, trying to hit a 740 to off-set my GPA for the academic side.
With your experience, why not try to work with some of those Chinese-based Real Estate Firms that have offices in America. For example, there are a ton of Chinese Firms with offices in Los Angeles (e.g. Wanda in Beverly Hills)
I think for a shot at the top schools you would need a higher GMAT score so probably a good idea to re take it.
I think your plan sounds good - but you might not even have to do REIB before REPE. I think you would be qualified to work as an REPE associate after b school with your banking experience
you don't need reib, not sure what it would give you over an M7 + repe internship. Target the M7 and boost your gpa, esp if you're Asian descent, take post-bac classes that you failed in college so you show the schools you're serious and can improve your academic performance...
Wouldn't bother with B school or banking unless your goal is associate at one of the megafunds.
I wouldn't quite rush on going back to school just yet. You've got some CRE focused work, mostly debt, but its a good start. Why are you thinking its best to go back to school?
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