Transition from trading to private equity RE

I've spent the last six years as a commodity options trader at a bulge bracket firm. I'm now interested in transitioning to private equity real estate. I've crafted a story to sell my background (which includes taking real estate as one of my concentrations in undergrad), and am leveraging my alumni network (ivy league) to find a job. I'm also taking an online Real Estate financial modeling class as well as the Argus certification. Aside from these things any additional advice would be much appreciated.

5 Comments
 

Can I ask your motivation? I can understand wanting to try something new, but you are probably going to have to take a HUGE pay cut.

Please don't quote Patrick Bateman.
 

Structural issues surrounding banking, combined with the cyclical downturn in volatility in my asset class (as new supply comes online) means compensation and pnl will both be down substantially. This was evidenced in the last two pay cycles. I don't mind an initial pay cut, and am hoping to sell my work experience as a plus.

 
Best Response

I made a similar transition from about 6 years of commodity derivatives to private equity due diligence now looking to move to private equity. I decided to do an MBA to make the transition as commodity sales and trading skills are very different to private equity. For the start there financial valuation, company strategy, value proposition etc. I found the MBA very useful in teaching all of these things. Most people recommend two years in IB post MBA but it depends if you like to have any life or not :). For me i chose strategy consulting because of the broad exposure and being closer to the process of developing an investment thesis. Its true i probably dont have much of a chance with any of the mega funds but that is fine by me. Happy to answer any questions you might have on direct message

 

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