Things/Certifications that might set me apart from my peers
Hi,

I’m a 27 yo grad student. Was working for a small company as a project manager (nothing fancy). Real estate always had my curiosity and I finally made the switch roughly a year ago. Applied to some really good universities and got into one. I’m about to start my last semester in 2 weeks. i’d say i’m decent at financial modeling, I got my ARGUS certification last week and i’m doing good with my grades. 

I started applying for jobs a month ago but have had no luck so far. I expected it because of the pandemic and it’s effects on the real estate industry. However, i’ve a few months on my hand before I graduate and would like to use em to learn any relevant skills or get certifications that may give me an edge over several of my peers. Please advise!
[{"id": "g1ae3ee", "text": "I would say just don\u2019t limit yourself to one city and keep applying. Sooner or later you will get it. \n\nI will also add that at some point you can get all of the right qualifications but not having any relevant experience in your field will be the biggest hurdle. Getting your foot in the door is always the hardest. \n\nI hate seeing kids who can\u2019t land a job just keep going to school and getting deeper and deeper into debt getting an MBA in CRE when they should just be patient. (I know that\u2019s easier said than done)", "replies": [{"id": "g1aee7z", "text": "I can totally relate to everything you just said. I certainly don\u2019t have any relevant RE experience. I am definitely racking up debt too but I felt like I had to do it because of switching careers. Hopefully it\u2019ll be worth it. \n\nAny tips on how to get my foot in the door? And I literally don\u2019t have any location preferences. Keeping doors open to not only cities but continents.", "replies": [{"id": "g1ciho0", "text": "Others here have given you the definitive answers. You just need to network your way in.\n\nAs corny as it sounds, reach out to people and see if you can get meetings just to discuss career paths or anything similar. \n\nAll it takes it meeting the right person at the right time who just so happens to know someone looking for a CRE Investment  analyst for some family fund that never would make an indeed listing.... &lt;\u2014 this is exactly how a friend of mine got into the industry", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "g1aearo", "text": "I know it seems you want to get into the finance side of things, but how about just a broker's license?\n\nAlso, these might be helpful once you get your broker's license. https://www.nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications", "replies": [{"id": "g1af7bo", "text": "I\u2019m open to any and all aspects of RE right now. Haven\u2019t looked into the brokerage side of things. Do you think 4 months of preparation would suffice for the license exam ?", "replies": [{"id": "g1afyto", "text": "4 months should be enough. I would see what classes you need to take. They should be able to be taken online relatively easily. I know some people struggle with the broker exam, but you are educated so it should be easy.", "replies": [{"id": "g1agqyq", "text": "Got it. Will look into it. Thanks.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "g1af6gt", "text": "You already have a masters, an Argus certification and the ability to pass any modeling test. I think your time would be better spent trying to meet and build relationships with people in the industry. It doesn\u2019t sound like an extra check mark on your resume is going to be the game changer for getting interviews", "replies": [{"id": "g1aff85", "text": "True. I\u2019m relying heavily on my school\u2019s alumni network for building relationships. Hope it works out! Thanks.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "g1agoxb", "text": "I'm in agreement that you have all the certs: focus on networking.  Alumni is a great place but also look into joining NAIOP/ULI/other in your market at the under 35 level: cost is discounted greatly (and often free under scholarships), and is a great way to meet cohorts your age but also meet and impress leaders in the industry.   This is a proven and relatively fun way to get into the business. Volunteer for EVERYTHING. The secret all us old folks won't say too loud is that this is a very old industry, and we have a lot of intellectual capital retiring.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "g1asnh2", "text": "This is the perfect answer. Network your ass off. That was already the primary way to find jobs in real estate post grad school, now even more so with limited hiring due to the recession", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "g1af7j4", "text": "Your resume sounds fine; you should build a rapport with HR and nail your interviews by seeming like someone with whom they could work; i.e. be likable.  [I replied](https://www.reddit.com/r/CommercialRealEstate/comments/i0nhhx/advice_for_recent_graduates_on_job_market/fzqkpc5?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web2x) to a similar post a couple of weeks ago.", "replies": [{"id": "g1afpf3", "text": "Thank you. I\u2019ve been doing the same with a brokerage firm\u2019s HR rep. Fingers crossed!", "replies": [{"id": "g1awe80", "text": "You want to go into brokerage?", "replies": [{"id": "g1bwgse", "text": "As an analyst, yep.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "g1amfhf", "text": "Real estate analytics will continue to grow. If you\u2019re interested in that side of the industry, get started on learning data analysis, programming, etc. \n\nExcel modeling is the first step though. If you\u2019re an excel guru you can get a job anywhere and can also transition those skills to other industries if needed.", "replies": [{"id": "g1awk1s", "text": "That is step 2 not step 1, if at all.\n\nLearning python isn't going to get this guy a job in REPE, credit, Dev, brokerage, or property management", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "g1bts24", "text": "I think you\u2019re right. I learnt python and R in my bachelors. Haven\u2019t touched it since but can certainly pick it up much faster than someone who hasn\u2019t studied programming ever. I won\u2019t say i\u2019m an excel guru but I can model without touching the mouse and I think that\u2019s a good-ish level to be at.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "g1awbwl", "text": "Network: LinkedIn/personal/industry group -&gt; coffee chat -&gt; referral -&gt; coffee chat -&gt; email -&gt; phone call -&gt; job application\n\nOr whatever the chain looks like.\n\nI cannot overstate how much this business is relationship driven\n\nBeyond that A.cre has some decent stuff you can skill up on\n\nBonus: if someone asks you why you want to get into this business for the love of god do not say \"because it's tangible\"", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "g1bv2o4", "text": "I can't stress this enough, narrow down where you think you'd be most effective and excited! A couple of examples:\n\n\"I want to join a top-tier brokerage team as an analyst, ideally for investment deals\"\n\n\"I'd like to work in a distressed debt shop as an underwriter/analyst\"\n\n\"I'm excited to find a mentor and top team to begin as a tenant or landlord leasing rep, ideally with industrial assets\"\n\nYou can always pivot or change your mind, but at least its a place to start from as you begin your conversations.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]