Starting out in CRE. Looking for some advice on what type of brokerage to choose and some real life experiences others went through in the beginning.
Pretty much sums it up in the title.  To give some background on my situation, I’ve been in construction/the trades as an electrician for about 15 years.  Fully certified with plenty of exposure to the construction world.  Over the years I’ve been taking night classes in business and recently passed my real estate exam to get my license in trading/brokering.

What kind of value would brokerages see in my construction background?  And would they see the fact that I took personal time to educate myself on nights/weekends as a huge plus, or not really?

Any advice or personal experience that would be relevant or could guide me in the getting the ball rolling is appreciated.  I don’t know anyone in the CRE world to really ask.

I’m in Western Canada (Vancouver) if that helps.  Thanks in advance everybody.
[{"id": "hwyhcse", "text": "I am in the same boat.\n\nWorked in insurance sales, but the industry is quite toxic, always trying to make a buck out of someone's misfortune. My boss was also bit of an asshole - during bonus season I was told to pay money into the bonus pool because I missed target ONE month.\n\nGot into the oilfields and while I really enjoy it, being away from family for 3-5 months and home for like two or three weeks max, it just is not something I can keep doing.\n\nWhile my experience is all over the place, I saw it as an advantage. Working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week with selling experience, makes for a good salesman. Put that into my CV.\n\nApplied to 4 companies so far and have an interview with already.\n\nGet creative with the CV, it is all a matter of perspective and phrased the right way, I am sure you will be able to get in somewhere with your more relevant than mine experience!", "replies": [{"id": "hwypogf", "text": "It sounds like you're testing the waters with each of these firms. Do you know what commission split you want? What asset class you can specialize in or the firm specialize in? What technology, marketing, and administrative support the firm provide?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "hwypyl7", "text": "Thanks viking.  I\u2019ll consider that.  Good to know people from all kinds of backgrounds get into this industry.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hwypl0k", "text": "It sounds like you want an easy way to find CRE brokerage firms that fit your style and background. I'm assuming you know what type of commission split you want and where you're going to be located, as well as what asset class you will specialize in?", "replies": [{"id": "hwyqwlk", "text": "My main focus is getting onto a team or into a brokerage with some rockstars that\u2019re gonna be able to show me how to make it big and produce in this industry.  Right off the bat I\u2019m not really that concerned with the commissions\u2026I know there will be a learning curve and I won\u2019t be that productive in the beginning.\n\nMy main question is what kind of value do experienced, successful brokers look for in a newcomer to the industry?  Will my blue collar background mixed with more recent business training be seen as unique value?  Or are they just looking for sales beasts that can sell fire to the devil?\n\nWhen I go speak with brokerages I want to have an idea of what they\u2019re looking for and already value so I can know where I stand in the negotiation and when deciding which one to choose.", "replies": [{"id": "hwyrxwi", "text": "Would you want a way to easily search and filter these brokerage firms, to find out which ones have experienced agents or successful brokers, as well as firms that would pass off extra leads to new people like you?", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "hx1rpho", "text": "From my experience, when the 'rockstar' teams who are pulling in the big catches begin their search for the new brokers - they rarely bring them in &amp; instantly pass them deals. There's a big learning curve coming in fresh with no 'real' CRE experience - every team operates differently. Typically, if you get an opportunity to join a strong team - they will designate you for spearheading new business. Essentially cold calling an active pipeline of contacts for new leads. You'll likely be able to sit in on deals they're working on (with no commission opportunity), just to learn the how they operate. Some brokerages may even offer a draw for your first few years - if you get lucky, it could be a guaranteed draw (essentially a salary). Best of luck.", "replies": [{"id": "hx23n01", "text": "This is super helpful.  Thanks for taking the time out to write this.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]