What kind of entry-level analyst role at brokerage?
I am applying for a few different entry-level analyst roles at the top CRE brokerages (JLL, CBRE, CW) and wanted to know what roles or what kind of work I should be shooting for. My goal is to eventually leverage my experience into a RE private equity (Blackstone, hedge funds, RE IB(?), etc.) role as an analyst in acquisitions or similar. 

I’d like to know what the fastest way up is. Should I be aiming for an analyst position on a team (is that even possible as entry-level?), or will any analyst position suffice? How much will the nature of the work I end up doing in the role matter for my trajectory - will simply being an analyst at a top brokerage be enough to open the next, higher door for me? Should I even be targeting a role at the top brokerages? On a related note, how does an analyst position at Eastdil Secured compare to the same position at JLL, CBRE, CW? 

I know it’s a lot of questions. No need to answer one by one. I’d just appreciate a little guidance with where I’m currently at. Thank you very much.
[{"id": "hywephd", "text": "If you want to work in REPE, you want to be on an institutional capital markets team.  Those analysts are the ones working on the OMs, and doing the modeling you\u2019ll need to build your experience for a REPE. Also, your brokers and deals will be bought by REPEs, so they\u2019ll see your work, and you can bring them up in an interview.  Plus, if you go to the closing dinner, hopefully you\u2019ve got a broker who will say what a good job you did.\n\nYou don\u2019t necessarily want to be on the tenant rep side, because that experience, while valuable, isn\u2019t as relevant.  \n\nLastly, when compared to an Eastdil, it will depend on your boss.  Brokerage, and real estate in general is an incestuous profession, meaning everyone works for multiple companies.  Top brokers at all firms will have worked for competitors, so a JLL broker could be from Eastdil, and they\u2019ll run their group like Eastdil did if they want to.\n\nBut good luck, and realize that your soft skills are as important as your hard skills.  I know analysts who\u2019ve gone and trailblazed their way to the top of REPEs, and also analysts who are still an analyst with the brokerage firm 20 years later.  It\u2019s about dedication, it\u2019s about relationships, it\u2019s about emotional intelligence, and it\u2019s about luck.", "replies": [{"id": "hyxnkms", "text": "Thank you for the response. That does sound like the kind of experience I\u2019d need and it\u2019s clear now that the jobs I\u2019ve been looking at wouldn\u2019t give me that, even though they\u2019re all \u201canalyst\u201d positions.\n\nA few additional questions if you don\u2019t mind: Do the big brokerages have these \u201cinstitutional capital markets\u201d teams? What would a typical job description for that role be? Would this match the role you mentioned: \u201cAssists in preparation of investment memos for loan committee, helps in loan approval process\u201d? So like an underwriting analyst? Also, is the job you describe something that would be roughly considered entry-level?\n\nYou\u2019ve really identified what I need to do to get closer to REPE. Any resources or further information you can give me about what an appropriate analyst position would be for me? Thanks so much.\n\nEdit: Also, what do you think about jumping to REPE as an analyst working with a set broker team? I assume I\u2019d be doing more financial modelling and actual RE analysis, as well as get some of the soft skills and experience that REPE\u2019s find desirable(?). Would this be a recommended path if your other suggestion isn\u2019t possible?", "replies": [{"id": "i7q1d2t", "text": "Late comment but yes there are designated \"institutional\" teams, Berkadia has one for example, others may call it something else. But just look at the size of the teams deals, and who their clients are.  As a capital markets analyst you'll be underwriting properties or ground up developments, could be for debt or raising equity. Hope this helps", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hyws14g", "text": "\"leverage my experience into a RE private equity (Blackstone, hedge funds, RE IB(?), etc.)\"\n\nThis made me giggle. Good luck kiddo", "replies": [{"id": "hywusv2", "text": "Lol and I\u2019m going to become a starting pitcher for the Red Sox", "replies": [{"id": "hywuz2o", "text": "I've always thought I'd be a great race car driver or astronaut too ya know?", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "hz15zgl", "text": "I don\u2019t get it. Is REPE that much of a crapshoot?", "replies": [{"id": "hz1fv0e", "text": "It\u2019s not a crapshoot, it\u2019s something you are born into. With rich parents and familial connections. What we\u2019re saying is you werent born with that, you will never work at a multi billion dollar firm and most likely you\u2019ll end up at a small local firm if you make it at all.", "replies": [{"id": "ih48kab", "text": "Didn\u2019t have the luxury of either of these above and currently working for a heavy hitting fund.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "ih47rp0", "text": "Don\u2019t pay the above response any mind. I spent 3 years as an analyst on the advisory side of a merchant bank (akin to D/E placement) and had an REPE offer before going to b-school.\n\nHustle hard, learn to model in your sleep and build meaningful relationships with colleagues, sponsors, etc - the rest will fall into place from there.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]