Career Advice? Environmental Analyst who wants to get into development
Hi everyone. I'm seeking career advice from anyone working in real estate/property development. I am a recent college graduate with a B.S. in environmental studies. I was lucky enough to get a job shortly after graduating as an environmental analyst at an environmental consulting firm. Essentially, we write Environmental Impact Statements / Environmental Impact Reports (California) and other impact documents for all kinds of development projects.

As development is something that I am passionate about, I'm happy to have work related to that, but what I would really like to do is jump over to the other side and work for a development company. I'm wondering if the experience I'm getting at my current job is valuable for the development field. Would it make sense to stay for a couple years and then look for work at a development company, or am I just wasting my time and it would make more sense to start from the bottom in development as soon as possible. Ideally, I would want a position with some creativity (I had always thought about being an architect but the time and money required for schooling is discouraging), but I could even do environmental work if necessary. Do development companies even have positions for that? What type of positions are available at development companies?

Sorry for the long post, but thank you for taking the time to read. I would appreciate any type of advice or shared experiences.
[{"id": "ceqwcye", "text": "You. Might want to consider getting a MSRE or MRED if you are wiling to go back for schooling it will give you an edge getting a job", "replies": [{"id": "cerlj28", "text": "Thanks, that doesn't seem too bad considering it looks like it could be only 1 year; something I should look into. Any idea what types of positions are available in the field that aren't finance-centered? I'd like to be a project manager some day but obviously you can't start there.", "replies": [{"id": "cerpi65", "text": "Many of the jobs are somewhat finance related whether your reconciling a budget or doing highest and best use analysis you are often doing some type of calculation although it may be minor. If you are looking for no finance you might want to look and zoning and entitlement work.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cetgv8j", "text": "Get uli certificates ... And network your ass off", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]