How important is the networking benefit of a Master's in real estate?
I'm looking into both NYU and Georgetown. Both offer an online component (NYU you can do part of the program online, Georgetown completely.)

My thoughts are to keep my current job (a crappy back office job) and do roughly half the course online. And then finish up in person.

Would I be missing out a lot by using this strategy? I mean, can I really expect a professor to hire me (especially when surrounded by equally qualified students)? How good is the networking when everyone is doing it part time, usually after a long day after work? I had a friend do a part time MBA and he said the networking was the weakest part. Basically they had some mixers and that was it. 

Thank you.
[{"id": "cry4hk9", "text": "What's your background like so far? Do you have a pretty solid network already? ", "replies": [{"id": "cry4ip6", "text": "I know exactly 0 people in CRE. I have an accounting background, although I do own some rental properties. ", "replies": [{"id": "cryd8nz", "text": "As far as I am concerned, networking IS the main reason for a CRE masters.  You can read and study real estate in your own time and get a job to learn the skills, but a full time masters program gives you extended interaction with people who share your goals.  In addition, many CRE masters students already have considerable experience or have families which are fairly involved or influential in the industry.  \n\nHowever, considering your background as an accountant, the courses will provide you with a much more tangible benefit than someone who already has considerable experience.  To get the most out of the networking factor in a program, attend a school located in a primary market (New York, Boston, etc.) this will allow you to maximize networking both inside and outside the program.  Let me know if you have any additional questions as I'm happy to help.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cryr8cs", "text": "What do you plan on doing after you get your degree? What is your goal?\n\nNetworking depends on a lot of factors, but the most important is going to be you and also the opportunities they provide. ", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cryt2hz", "text": "I would just get a job in real estate and you'll get exposed to more valuable connections more quickly. Getting an MBA primarily just for the networking doesn't seem like a good idea. It's not cheap, takes a ton of time in studying/classroom, etc. that you could be spending networking if that is your goal. Where'd you do your undergrad? I'd reach out to alumni from your undergrad who work in real estate. If you haven't even done that yet, don't pretend that grad school is magically going to be different!", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "crz0zni", "text": "I graduated college back in December and am in the middle of a CRE internship. I feel like I've made a ton of connections and it has been invaluable. Obviously, my experience is limited and my advice should be taken with a bucket of salt, but I would second the person who said get a job in the industry. The brokers I work with think grad school is a waste of time and money, but it all depends on your goals. I'm trying to become a broker eventually, so the advice they've been giving me is in that direction", "replies": [{"id": "crz19qr", "text": "The thing is - how can I get a job when I have no related experience? The reason I want to get a master's is because I feel the degree would help me break in.", "replies": [{"id": "crz1yut", "text": "I would shoot for being a transaction manager. Read this job description. I feel like your accounting experience could be a huge plus. There are people at my company who have made the jump from transaction manager to broker.  http://www.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=e9a4e630040ec02c&amp;from=serp", "replies": [{"id": "crz298q", "text": "Wow thanks! I will definitely check out availability in my area. \n\nIs there a better way of applying then just sending a resume online? I feel those go into a black hole. ", "replies": [{"id": "crz309h", "text": "I have no idea about applying cold, I was fortunate enough to know one of the brokers and she introduced me to the guys who finally hired me. \n\nOne thing I forgot to mention. I've heard that transaction manager positions can vary significantly between companies and between specific job listings. For example, the transaction manager I mainly work with doesn't do much financial stuff. Her main responsibilities are showing properties, keeping track of lists, a bit of prospecting, and some other stuff I probably don't know. \n\nAlso, I'd say it would definitely help to get licensed if you aren't already. It greatly increases the variety of things you're  allowed to do (like show property) and thereby makes you more valuable. In my state it is a 60 hr class that I can do entirely online and cost is $250 plus textbooks", "replies": [], "depth": 5}, {"id": "crzhn82", "text": "just pick up a phone and start calling brokers.  They talk to people for a living.  Don't waste a lot of their time but be clear what you want.  Offer to buy them lunch, that you are just trying to make connections.  Seem people are assholes and will blow you off or not take your call for sure, but some will.  \n\nParticularly with the smaller boutiques its really not going to be that hard to get the managing broker on the phone.  If you want the head of CBRE NYC that is probably going to be slightly more complex, but all they can say is no.  If your pride can't take that you won't make it anyhow ;)", "replies": [], "depth": 5}, {"id": "crziomp", "text": "It's rare to get into the field by just applying, even if you went to the best schools. I applied to a top firm just after college and got no response. After working on the campaign of an ex manager he sent in a letter of recommendation and I got hired there. This whole industry is based off relationships. I'd say knowing someone takes you from ~5% chance of getting in to ~75% chance.\n\nedit: As JTS said, brokers talk down on grad degrees. They are just not useful in brokerage. Why spend $80,000+ to meet people when you can do that by picking up the phone?  I remember asking my senior team member if he felt it was worth it for me to get a grad degree. He stood up and started pointing out the top brokers and telling me where they went to school. Most of them were not even nationally recognized schools. We even had two brokers from for profit colleges (they weren't great brokers, but they were at the best office in a very strong region).\n\nI would get into the business first to see if you even like it. A lot of people's expectations of the business are really far from reality. If you like it, then work towards a grad degree during the night (like you would be doing anyways) and then maybe it can help you get into a development company or somewhere grad degrees have value.\n\nLook into certificate courses, a lot of colleges offer them. They're much cheaper than a masters and you will probably network with the same amount of people.", "replies": [{"id": "crzm6bd", "text": "Well, my goal is not to be a broker. I'd like to be an acquisition analyst. ", "replies": [{"id": "crzw0x7", "text": "Well, (had to) the transaction manager doesn't do anything special and there is only one per brokerage. They are the guy you hand your commission voucher to and they go over everything to make sure it's approved. They get paid less than a typical accountant would, but do much more work. They don't make deals or run with anyone that does, they are administrative workers. So getting a masters to do this would be ridiculous as it only requires 2 years of college. \n\nAn analyst typically works for a capital advisor firm and that's all that firm does. Usually in a brokerage the only analysts are young guys placed on teams of experienced brokers and it's understood that the analyst is doing underwriting for the team so he can learn how the deal is done and become a broker later. Most brokers do a fine job of being an analyst on their own so you are only going to find dedicated analysts in CBD's. I don't think you realize just how bare bones commercial real estate companies are.\n\nI have a friend who's title is Financial Analyst and he works for a Capital Advisory firm that specializes in real estate capital. He only has an undergrad degree. \n\nPicking up the phone or emailing someone is free. If you can't do this what makes you think you will network even if the school sets up events for you?", "replies": [], "depth": 7}], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "cs2ik4g", "text": "hey! I get that brokers/sales jobs in CRE dont really need a masters degree. But, what do u think about finance/analysis jobs? I would imagine both brokerages and development firms hire analysts for like financial modeling stuff, etc.  Do, u think a masters degree in real estate finance would help? ", "replies": [{"id": "cs2ouwq", "text": "I imagine it would probably be helpful if you wanted that kind of job, but again, I'm an intern with three months of experience, so don't listen to me.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "csoxs19", "text": "I got into a top 3 firm as a researcher in a secondary market. I have established many connections, and have asked many successful brokers this same question. Most of them say do not waste the time and money. However, they are all 45 years or older, and have built their network over decades, so I am a bit skeptical. They started ina  time when college degrees were much less common. That being said, I wil most likely not get my masters due to the price and the time required.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]