Need some advice. I'm 28 earning a MRED, with no prior experience in CRE. Will it be easy to get hired?
Need some thoughts and opinions...

I'm 28 and graduating with a BS in Finance this term. Looking to get into CRE, on the equity side of things: Acquisitions, maybe development.

I've been accepted into the MRED program (Master of Real Estate &amp; Development) and I am currently taking my second class in the program, along with my BS Capstone.

Is there any chance I wil be considered overqualified for an entry role? Will the MRED help me skip a few positions?

What kind of compensation can I expect?

I'm also thinking of doing an internship soon to help the CRE experience side of my resume.
[{"id": "i2m6l8k", "text": "What school? Make sure you get as many internships and as much experience as you can.", "replies": [{"id": "i2m6r91", "text": "Portland State University. It's MRED program is ranked 8th from what I've seen.", "replies": [{"id": "i2maqmh", "text": "Not sure how worth it that is as I've never even heard of that program. In real estate it's all about networking and landing experience. The actual on job training will be way more valuable than anything you learn in the classroom.\n\nTypically top mred programs would be USC, MIT, Georgetown, NYU, Columbia, Cornell. \n\nAs I said, try and get the best internships you possible can and also figure out exactly what it is that you want to do. Debt brokerage, investment sales, ground up development, asset management, etc. They all have different skill sets and you would want to differentiate yourself. \n\nWith good internships and an mred you may be able to come in as an associate. I would also try and get some feedback at wallstreetoasis.", "replies": [{"id": "i2mc6e6", "text": "Thank you, networking is also why I decided to join the MRED as I don't know anyone in Commercial Real Estate.", "replies": [{"id": "i2mdgax", "text": "These programs in general are fairly new offerings for universities. The class sizes are typically relatively small. Your professors will most likely either be working in the industry or have worked in it. PSU is a good school with a good rep. At least regionally, you will have a network. From there, you can expand.\n\nAlso, depends on what you want to do. Do you want to be in just finance? Do you want to work as a developer managing projects? Different programs will have different trajectories.", "replies": [{"id": "i2mdo0r", "text": "Thank you, I'm hoping my Masters will even me out with my competition who have had years of experience. I'm a bit late to the game, so I figured I can network and make up the GAP by getting my MRED.", "replies": [{"id": "i2np3qr", "text": "MRED opens the door and only a small amount. Networking is everything in CRE and a MRED ***should*** get you a network or it isn't worth it.\n\nWhether you're coming in with an MRED, or at 22 y.o. with a bachelors, you're coming in green (unless you have relevant outside experience).", "replies": [{"id": "i2npd4o", "text": "Thanks for the input.\n\nThe network is big reason why I chose to get a MRED. \nAlso, I feel like I need it at this point because most employers would probably choose someone younger with the same amount of experience... Just trying to make up ground here.", "replies": [{"id": "i2npu0s", "text": "Totally makes sense, just wanted to emphasize unlike other careers where a masters may preclude you from an entry level role, CRE and MRED are different. The network is most important, and maybe the MRED opens the door to an associate role, but I have seen many MRED grads coming in as analysts.", "replies": [{"id": "i2nq2ce", "text": "I honestly wouldn't even mind that at first. Do you know how much training new hires get? Also, what kind of comp is average?", "replies": [], "depth": 10}], "depth": 9}], "depth": 8}], "depth": 7}], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "i2nmt1z", "text": "I know the program quite well. Networking is key and you\u2019ll get lots of opportunities. One class is specifically for networking, job opportunities, and polishing your resume. People in Portland are very aware and think highly of the program. Good luck in the program and have fun.", "replies": [{"id": "i2nn2dp", "text": "That's actually great to hear, thank you! Are you local to Portland?", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i2mdmvr", "text": "I did the same program at University of Denver with no prior real estate experience. Solid internship is your ticket to creditability. School brought in a publicly traded REIT to connect with for my internship which allowed me to land a development analyst role with a regional developer post grad. Most sophisticated shops want to see a graduate degree for their analysts. At the same time no one is hiring an analyst fresh out of school with no experience (internship).", "replies": [{"id": "i2mvw7u", "text": "That is also what I've seen from the job postings that my teacher has sent me. It was why I ultimately decided to go this route. I'm glad to hear that this route worked out for someone else. How old were you when you got the MRED?", "replies": [{"id": "i2n5pqu", "text": "I did the program at 34 to change industries out of hotel management.", "replies": [{"id": "i2n7u98", "text": "Can I ask what your comp was? I appreciate you sharing your experience with me.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i2mxju3", "text": "No, it will not be easy. Recruiting and getting a job is largely based on previous work experience. Better start networking/ interning like crazy", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i2n1bib", "text": "&gt;Is there any chance I wil be considered overqualified for an entry role?\n\nQuite the opposite, experience is king in CRE.", "replies": [{"id": "i2n28tt", "text": "I guess I meant as in \"sorry you have a masters so we cant give you an entry job\"\n\nWhat are the usual requirements for an acquisitions analyst?", "replies": [{"id": "i2ndhkz", "text": "I would say having a master's or bachelor's is an entryway, but they would also want to see someone who has worked previously with real estate, even if it is a clerical position or as an agent. I mean, how comfortable do you feel with the documentation required for due diligence?", "replies": [{"id": "i2neg01", "text": "If you're talking about title search, surveys, insurance, etc, then I don't have experience with paperwork stuff yet. I'm sure I'll learn that in my future classes.\n\nIf you're talking about financials, proforma, and project reseaech then I feel pretty comfortable.\n\nNot sure if this helps but I am a licensed contractor, so in that way I've worked somewhat with real estate. Probably not the way you meant though.", "replies": [{"id": "i2neybs", "text": "&gt; Not sure if this helps but I am a licensed contractor, so in that way I've worked somewhat with real estate. Probably not the way you meant though.\n\nI mean, if you are a GC, it would certainly help, as you can understand the critical path and work it into your models. Still, I don't think they teach proper due diligence in school. At least in my master they didn't go deep in it.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i2o33ch", "text": "If you\u2019re looking to stay local to portland for your career, that program is probably helpful. If you are interested in working in other cities, I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll get much mileage out of an MRED from PSU unfortunately.", "replies": [{"id": "i2o3e6d", "text": "I honestly am looking to stay local. Once I get experience I'll have freedom to go anywhere tho, no?\n\nThank you", "replies": [{"id": "i2o3zdv", "text": "Depends what you\u2019re trying to do. Small developer, experience matters most. Big institution (PE, REIT, etc), name brand education is important.", "replies": [{"id": "i2o58d9", "text": "I see. In your experience, Which colleges are most recognized for their MRED?", "replies": [{"id": "i2o7e0u", "text": "Someone earlier (tilt up concrete) has a solid list that I would agree with. There are a million smaller programs that are playing catch up but aren\u2019t really considered top tier. Other option is an mba with real estate concentration.", "replies": [{"id": "i2o8a5m", "text": "Appreciate it! Think I must have missed that list. I'll look for it.", "replies": [], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i2ogjg6", "text": "There is so much demand for housing that you will easily find a job in a primary or secondary location. Don\u2019t expect too much pay out of the gate as you need to spend time in the woodshed", "replies": [{"id": "i2ohz0s", "text": "Appreciate that, what kind of pay can I expect for an entry level analyst?", "replies": [{"id": "i2ptusv", "text": "Largely depends on size of firm, location, etc", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i2pv66q", "text": "Lots of good replies here, but I think you need to focus on 2 things right now\n\n1) networking\n2) landing a solid internship (via networking)\n\nThose MRED programs listed above are great, sure, but- all it takes is knowing the right person to get your foot in any door. I have seen many examples of CRE professionals who come from non target universities land incredible jobs. The one thing they all have in common is 1) they networked 2) they applied themselves in other places than just the classroom.\n\nIf you\u2019re open to it, I would suggest learning excel RE modeling very thoroughly (there are tons of great resources out there, A.CRE, REFM, Etc.), this is a great talking point when networking and it shows you\u2019re dedicated to becoming successful in the industry. I would also look into learning Argus if possible, you don\u2019t necessarily need the certification, but to show that you\u2019ve been exposed to it would be great as well.\n\nBest of luck!", "replies": [{"id": "i2qjp1w", "text": "Thanks for the reply, I'm actually learning Argus in class this term. I think you are right about those two things, time to get to work.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i2px1ts", "text": "Just go find somewhere to work for a couple years. Nobody cares about a masters degree when you have zero experience. The degree is just for additional window dressing for your company to market you and networking. It isn\u2019t a shortcut to \u201cskip levels\u201d.  The most valuable thing a senior person brings is the experience to look at the work a junior brings them and quickly determine if it looks right/reasonable or has some edge case that the junior has not considered.  Even with a MS you bring none of those things.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]