Transition from Construction General Contractor to Commercial Real Estate?
I'm in my mid 20's, with a Civil Engineering degree, and I've been working for 3 years as Project Coordinator with a mid size GC in a large Canadian city. I am close to receiving a promotion to Project Manager, and I'm enjoying my work, but I can't see myself working for a GC my whole life. 

I eventually want to transition onto the Owner/Client side, whether this is in a year, or ten years. I am looking for any advice/info I can get for transitioning out of a GC into a commercial real estate company. Ideally I would work in development, but I am open to other suggestions. 

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* Day to day work?
* Skills required?
* Any further education needed?
* Salary expectations?
[{"id": "fgjohai", "text": "Start going to networking events.  Work on developing your reputation, maybe as a board member on a county, city, or state organization.  Keep track of other construction firm\u2019s successes and challenges, learn their names and who works there.  Learn the banks and loan officer names that fund your typical projects.  \n\nGet really good at estimating.", "replies": [{"id": "fgkqnwa", "text": "Sounds like the networking component is a huge piece of this business (and I guess any business). I'll look into this. Are there typical types of networking events you recommend?\n\nAnd yes estimating would be a great asset. I spent about a year in our estimating department, learning square footage costs, developing a network, etc. and it proved very valuable in my career so far. Thanks!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fgjskqj", "text": "I would hit up your local ULI. Certainly many ways to get to where you want to go as construction is a great base, not to mention your degree. Look for jobs at development companies as a development / project / construction manager.", "replies": [{"id": "fgkra4e", "text": "Thanks I'll definitely go check out my ULI.", "replies": [{"id": "fglyg34", "text": "They also have a Young Leaders Group which assuming you\u2019re a younger guy would be great for you. They focus on mentorship and assistance with career guidance.  I was active in YLG as a young architect and it was immensely helpful for getting intros to people I normally would never have a chance to interact with.", "replies": [{"id": "fgn3i93", "text": "Thanks for that info! Similar to that our construction association has a young leaders group which is also very helpful.\n\nFrom your architect point of view is there anything in particular I should learn as a GC? I find that on the GC side we don't take into consideration the design intent nearly enough.", "replies": [{"id": "fgn7a82", "text": "In general the more a GC can understand the design side and an Architect the construction side the better.  I've moved from a traditional architecture role to a development role a little over 10 years ago now which it sounds is similar to where you want to end up.  I can tell you that folks I work with regularly who are in my role or similar roles almost always come either from the design or construction.  My point is you have the right background to get to development you just need to find the right job opportunity.", "replies": [{"id": "fgndbyh", "text": "Perfect thanks, I appreciate the advice \ud83d\udc4d", "replies": [], "depth": 6}, {"id": "fpj42i0", "text": "I just came across your comment. I've been a PM for the last year at a large Architecture firm in the US. I would like to eventually transition to development. How did you make the jump?", "replies": [{"id": "fplbukm", "text": "Look for a job doing project management. Either for a developer or for a third-party (CBRE, JLL) and see if you can get hired. Also you could consider joining a construction firm as a PE that would get you involved in the other side of the business and give you a solid background. There are multiple ways to get where you want, but getting out of architecture is the first step. Either directly to a developer, third party PM, or construction role.", "replies": [], "depth": 7}], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fgjtknu", "text": "Its cyclical, years of feast and then famine. But you can say that about any job. In most places, you will need certification to represent others in real property deals.  [https://www.remic.ca/real-estate-sales-person-vs-mortgage-agent/](https://www.remic.ca/real-estate-sales-person-vs-mortgage-agent/) says it takes 3 to 4.5 years to get your license. Unless you are very well connected or lucky, your starting salary and/or commission splits will be equal to minimum wage.\n\nLots of schmoozing during lunches and dinners to get deals done. You need an A type personality. Lots of hand holding and running around to prevent deals from going belly up. Your current job and CRE has some tangents. You know zoning and building codes, that is useful. You also know which contractor to call when something needs fixing.\n\nMaybe find a brokerage that specializes in selling new construction? Wish more of your GC skills are transferable. Guessing Canada like Australia is half owned by the Chinese these days. Probably good idea to learn to speak chinese.", "replies": [{"id": "fgkqcty", "text": "Thanks for the advice on certification! Looks like this may be quite the investment if I want to go down this path but I am prepared for it. The schmoozing and running around putting out fires are things I'm all too familiar with working for a GC.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fgk5y0q", "text": "Get Glenn Gonzales\u2019 book Maintenance Man to Millionaire.  Glenn is a super guy and has great stories. Book just came out. His road to commercial multifamily real estate syndicator is inspiring.", "replies": [{"id": "fgkqq8v", "text": "Thanks I'll check it out. Any other books you have in mind?", "replies": [{"id": "fgllw4u", "text": "Rod Khleif\u2019s Lifetime CashFlow through Multifamily Properties (The New Rules of Real Estate Investing) - very in depth and covers a lot of ground. \n\nPassive Investing in Commercial Real Estate: insider secrets to achieving financial independence. By James Kandasamy. Haven\u2019t read this yet but know James and familiar with his success. Book gets rave reviews.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fgksoq2", "text": "Hey there. I currently work for a developer in Canada. I come from a finance background and have built a niche in what I\u2019m in. I do a lot more than finance and as a developer am involved in everything from land acquisition, environmental, construction, marketing and leasing, and disposition. I lean on my finance knowledge to make sure I can add value to my company but I\u2019m constantly learning more about the law, leases, marketing, design, engineering etc. I know some of my coworkers come from a similar background to you. Some of them were architects and now have executive positions with us. All in all, my advice would be to get some business and finance experience if you want to be in development. A developer basically manages all the risks of a project and has the most skin in the game. It\u2019s great to have deep technical knowledge in something but you really need to learn the different areas that are relevant in development.  MBA, or masters in real estate would be ideal. There\u2019s also some courses out of UBC in urban land economics for the finance side.", "replies": [{"id": "fgktwtv", "text": "Thanks for the advice. The finance side is actually what has started to interest me the most. I have learned the \"in's and outs\" of the budgets on my construction projects, but beyond that I don't know at all how our clients have budgeted the project - and that really interests me.\n\nSo would you recommend an MBA or the MSRE? Would an MBA be more flexible?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fgn3irm", "text": "We have identical backgrounds  - BS in CE, then work for a couple years as estimator/PM in early 20's.  \n\nI transitioned  around 26ish to  full time real estate development and don't regret it for a second.  I'm early 40's and basically FATfire.    \n\nBe prepared to make less for a while and don't be afraid to take 100% of your savings and invest in 1 or 2 projects  that you're the main principal in the deal.  Your education from work is perfect, now is time to go  to the school of hard knocks.  Stop with the books and do a project or two.", "replies": [{"id": "fgr44xc", "text": "That's really inspiring to hear! How did you go from working with a GC to a developer? Did you just send out resumes and see what comes back? Or did you engage in some networking?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "fpj5a1x", "text": "Just saw your comment. I'm wondering the same things as OP. Would love to hear some insight on how you transitioned. Am a 30yo PM in Architecture and looking to eventually transition.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]