Where's the best place to start in CRE?
I'm a college student currently interning at a special servicer, and I'm interested in going into CRE/RE finance long-term. 

What's the best place to start to end up in RE Investment/Development? It seems like getting to a REPE firm would be the best way, but that might take some extra time in REIB (which is what I'm applying to now).

Should I just try and work for a development firm? What about a REIT? Do they even have positions for immediate college graduates?
[{"id": "djhxik1", "text": "Im going through a similar process and what keeps coming to the forefront from the 25+ informational interviews Ive done is to start as an analyst either at a bank or on the principal side. The development teams run pretty lean and may be difficult to get into. You may want to cut teeth at a larger institution that can offer training and mentorship and give you exposure to different deal structures. \n\nThe development side will be more cradle to grave, but if thats where you want to be long term then it would be worth trying to get in on the ground floor there as an analyst as well.\n\n Im no expert but this is what I keep hearing from industry experts I talk to. Start networking like crazy. Call a friend in the business and ask them to introduce you to a few more people and ask the hard questions. ", "replies": [{"id": "djmisb5", "text": "What about CMBS origination for a bank? Since it's mostly underwriting/analytics, it seem like it would be a decent place to get a broad grasp of things.\n\nThen again, I keep hearing that CMBS is going downhill so idk if that's a great plan.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "djodxfy", "text": "Which special servicer are you interning at?", "replies": [{"id": "djoo3wy", "text": "Major one--think CW Capital (but not CW)", "replies": [{"id": "djoptb9", "text": "Oh, ok, LNR it is :)", "replies": [{"id": "djopten", "text": "&gt;:)\n\nI am happy that you are happy. Spread the happiness around.\n\n[This doggo demands it.](https://i.redd.it/dzn7e9nntm6z.jpg)", "replies": [], "depth": 4}, {"id": "djorlzj", "text": "Maybe.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]