ARGUS and REFM?
Finance graduate looking for an entry level analyst job. I plan on trying for ARGUS certification after a training next month. 

I've also been told to get REFM online, but would that be worth doing if I get ARGUS? I suppose it would look good as a pair under a new section of my resume since I lack relevant job experience, but what do you guys think?
[{"id": "f3wjwb8", "text": "What area of CRE? Argus is used for retail and office sometimes but hardly at all for multifamily. Depending on what shop you end up at, but a lot of firms have built their own excel models. I think you'd be better off focusing on REFM and spending time understanding all of the basics of financial modeling. Keep learning until you can build a model for your asset class from scratch / memory.", "replies": [{"id": "f3wkkzg", "text": "Office would be nice, but I'm hoping for any starting role of a reputable asset manager. I just know I don't want want to get sucked into the brokerage side of things.\n\nThanks for the advice, my friend", "replies": [{"id": "f3wkqar", "text": "Good plan. You've set your goal, so stick to it and don't let anyone persuade you otherwise. I did 6 months in brokerage and hated it, but others do love it. It's just honestly a different personality type altogether.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "f3xueu6", "text": "If you can go to a brokerage where you get modeling experience and make investment memorandums like an investment sales role, you'll get a shit ton of good experience that you could leverage for a sick job at a PE shop", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "f3x3pxl", "text": "Are there any widely recognized REFM certifications one can get to pad the resume with?", "replies": [{"id": "f3y6dxy", "text": "I believe there are three general levels. Start there - that\u2019s enough work in itself as you\u2019ll have to learn what the numbers mean as you work through them. \n\nI honestly don\u2019t think many employers know / recognize REFM. But, if you can get a foot in the door and explain what training you\u2019ve done and even demonstrate your proficiency with a sample then you\u2019d be golden.", "replies": [{"id": "f3znppx", "text": "I really appreciate the information, thank you! I'm trying to navigate into the CRE industry myself so this is invaluable. Are there any recommended outlets to take these 3 levels of courses? Like is there a recognized body that provides the training and certification?", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "f3wwkd0", "text": "I\u2019m also a recent grad without experience looking for a job in CRE. I got my ARGUS cert and started CCIM courses. I\u2019ve applied to over 40 entry level positions for categories like valuation, consulting, portfolio management, acquisitions, and other investment side positions. So far I\u2019ve only received 1 response over the course of a month. \n\nMost of the jobs that mention ARGUS will say something like \u201cFamiliarity of ARGUS is a plus but not required,\u201d but all of them say proficiency in Excel is required. \n\nIf you have to choose 1 I\u2019d do REFM, this is the first I\u2019ve heard of it and I\u2019m going to sign up. I think rigorous excel experience may be what my resume is missing to get more responses. I think ARGUS is a good option to distinguish yourself after you can prove Excel experience.", "replies": [{"id": "f3xvcm7", "text": "I have had some pretty intense modeling classes, so I'd say I'm pretty proficient in Excel. Just not specifically for RE models, so I'll definitely give it a shot. Thanks", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "f3ynso1", "text": "You guys need to be networking in tandem with applying. Start grabbing coffees with industry professionals now!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "f46foem", "text": "Is it being Argus \u201ccertified\u201d really worth it? Of all the jobs I applied to (senior analyst/analyst/associate) they just want to make sure you know the software, don\u2019t care about being certified ... just wondering", "replies": [{"id": "f46zchy", "text": "Unless you\u2019ve had job experience or college level courses with ARGUS, a certification course is the only other way to learn the software. The title of being \u201ccertified\u201d probably isn\u2019t important. I believe employers just want to see you know how to use it.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "f3x7rp4", "text": "I did both as part of grad school. Iirc, REFM is pretty simple excel stuff. I think we did until level 3. If you understand excel already and the basics of real estate finance I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll gain much. \n\nARGUS is important if you\u2019re doing a lot of office and retail but less so for multi and industrial. I think if you\u2019re going to pick one ARGUS is the better one to do.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "f3xd202", "text": "We purchased the ARGUS software in 2012 and used it through 2016. I simply did a quick two hour online session and learned it over a month's time on the job. I don't know if the developers sold it and they have beefed up the program or what, but for $1250 they had better really have amped it up. It was a simple program, I never got a job interview response when I had ARGUS on my resume. Honestly an Excel pro could do the same thing and customize it to their organization. Join BOMA also. Just my opinion from using it for 4 years.", "replies": [{"id": "f3xgbt9", "text": "You were probably using ARGUS DCF, and they have since transitioned to ARGUS Enterprise, which is cloud based. Interface is different. but concepts are the same. I learned ARGUS on the job, by simply being given a rent roll, historical operating statements, and a completed ARGUS cash flow and trying to match my cash flow to it.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "f3xvpwz", "text": "I can take the test for $250 and the training is free since it's offered through my college.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "f3xuiqd", "text": "You want a real program? Do the BIWS Real Estate modeling or Adventures in CRE accelerator\n\nREFM is simple af", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]