Need help with brokerage career direction
Hello everyone. I've been interested in pursuing a career in commercial real estate. I just got my license but have been working on two companies(web development and environmental supply)for the past year and don't plan on directly diving into real estate right now. I don't have a college degree and I am wondering if it's reasonable to think that I'll be able to leverage my experience with my businesses when I decide to make the transition instead of a degree. If not then I am willing to go back. I'm only 20 years old and honestly am very content being an entrepreneur but I know commercial sales is something I would love to do. Question is, to become a commercial real estate broker, do I need to go to college or should I get my CCIM and start looking for a mentor? 
[{"id": "dch2fwm", "text": "I'm 24, hopefully I can shed some light for you. Been a Tenant Rep since last year.\n\nHaving your degree isn't the worst thing that could happen, a guy I work with has a JD which gives him tons of credibility. If you can find a competitive advantage without relying on a degree, it's just a matter of finding out who will hire you.\n\nMy background is in the medical field/marketing/accounting/technology so those are the fields I work with.\n\nCCIM is the equivalent of a Masters in CRE from what I've been told. Very well respected, but it's definitely something you earn. Few clients will ask to see a degree after seeing that.\n\nBest of luck.", "replies": [{"id": "dch4u96", "text": "I think you can't even get your CCIM right now. Part of that is submitting a portfolio of your work in CRE, which you will understandably will not have yet.\n\nA degree or other life experience is helpful. It's a very challenging field and most people who are successful in it did something else first. Part of it, whether it is fair or not, is age. It is going to be difficult to get a 50 year old building owner to trust a multi-million dollar building to a person who's only 20. You lack experience and credibility.\n\nSo, you have two options: 1) Go to college or 2) Get an analyst job with a mentor. The first one may open more doors for you down the road, so I'd lead that direction. But if you can work in a CRE office as a summer intern or part time, you will gain valuable experience!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "dchapkw", "text": "So do you think that if I find a mentor willing to train me in my city, and working on building the requirements to become a CCIM then can I compensate for not having a degree? \nI don't mean to come off anti college but I own two businesses, and everything i have learned regarding marketing, sales, business systems, and other relevant subjects has been via books and the internet. It's hard to justify the college cost for me. I just don't want to find myself at a glass cieling in a few years when I decide to make the jump into something that I know I will eventually fall into. \nDo you have a degree? If so in what?\nHow have you enjoyed your time in the industry thus far?", "replies": [{"id": "dchcflc", "text": "Yup, I have a Bachelor's in Business Management. I have enjoyed my time in the industry, if only for the tremendous growth personally. When you have a business selling widgets, it's almost easier to \"sell\" because it's tangible with tangible benefits. This is truly the people business.\n\nA degree may help you in the long run, though it is not essential. All it tells folks is that you finish what you start. CCIM is only 20 qualifying transactions of any volume according to their website, very doable in the amount of time it would take to get a degree.\n\nEDIT: Verbiage and length.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]