Architecture graduating senior looking to work for multi-family real estate developers... What should I be learning?
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[{"id": "grq3n6q", "text": "I\u2019d suggest a few items as an Architect that works in development. Mainly I\u2019d not be so picky about what you want to do and just look for a position that allows you to learn. Your going to start in that first job as entry level and need to learn a lot on the job. My suggestion is to worry less about the CRE type and more about a company that is willing to take you on, give you good work experience and hopefully mentor you along the way. Once you\u2019ve got a solid 3-5 years under your belt you can navigate towards a better position depending on your long term career goals.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "grq75q8", "text": "Im in multifam development and I dont know what the REFM exams are. Not to say theyre worthless but theyre definitely not a necessity.\n\nIt sounds like an analyst role at a real estate private equity firm would be the best fit for you. Id recommend trying to find a smaller, local firm. The analyst role is a fairly competitive position, and you dont have a traditional finance background, so youre going to have to be patient to find a spot. Otherwise your option is to go get an MBA in finance or real estate and then go back to the PE RE firms.\n\nOne last option that would be more fun is to go ahead with getting a job as an architect and then work on raising capital to do your own deals that you design. You can get started with pretty small capital raises (anywhere from $200-500k or so depending on market) to build 2-5 units. Then go after a bigger building once you have a track record.\n\nFeel free to message me if you have specific questions.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "grq7lvm", "text": "I like Architectgeeks advice. Sounds like he knows what he's talking about. You can also join your local ULI to learn more about specific product types. Its a good place to find a mentor.\n\nhttps://uli.org/", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "grqgwtr", "text": "Try to get a job with an experienced MF developer. There are a lot. \n\nLook up trade association members to find them.\n\nYou can learn the models with REFM and Adventures in CRE.\n\nLearn the site selection factors for MF and how that rolls down into pricing land.\n\nLearn about the construction process and the asset. \n\nStudy form contracts used in those deals.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "grqifu9", "text": "Don\u2019t discount cold emailing smaller developers in your area either.  A lot of them need help with paperwork and whatnot and it can be a good way to get some hands on experience before moving to a more sophisticated shop later.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]