Tips for building a solid CRE foundation and or other life applications?
Hello -

Apologies in advance for the long-winded post.
I am looking for all advice/tips with establishing a solid foundation in CRE knowledge. I am about to graduate college from quite a good college (top 30 school) but my major is international relations. I wouldn't say I slacked off in school as my grades were quite good but I didn't focus on what I wanted to do after college and thus I am not sure as to how helpful my degree will be in my future.

There are a few reasons I want to get into commercial real estate. First, my father is the managing director of one of the biggest CRE firms in the US for our state. Obviously this comes with many perks in getting my foot in the door. However, he is more of a do-it-yourself type and is going to make me earn any help he provides (which I appreciate). Second reason for being interested in CRE is the buildings themselves. I am very fascinated by architecture (both interior and exterior) and working with a "product" such as this is quite interesting to me. Lastly, I like the perceived mix of skills used in CRE - analytical, human interaction, determination, etc. I like that it is career that offers meaningful human interaction (which I believe is one of my strong suits).

I have also had a few summer internships in CRE. One as a "brokerage services intern" for one of the largest firms in the world and the other an "office property research intern" for a commercial real estate banking firm. 

My primary goal is to learn everything and anything about the world of commercial real estate. Please recommend me all sources- books, podcasts, websites, etc. 

I am next curious as to what aspect of commercial real estate you would recommend I look to get into. Investment, brokerage, etc? As shallow as it sounds, I would like to make a lot of money. I also would like to do work where I may have the opportunity to conduct business abroad (I speak fluent French if that helps). 

I understand I could have much better prepared myself for in my degree but I am hoping it doesn't hurt me too much. I also understand I am privileged with the position of my dad. 

If you have any suggestions or recommendations please share. Thanks!

TLDR: I want to learn the foundations all the way up of CRE and advice on which facet of CRE to get into to make money 


[{"id": "dd58677", "text": "Consider starting in brokerage research. Upsell your writing and analytical skills from your liberal arts degree. Research is a great way to learn the fundamentals and network. From there, go onto whatever path in the industry interests your most.", "replies": [{"id": "dd8vfpi", "text": "Noob here - I share a similar passion for wanting to \"get into the CRE industry.\"  Considering an MBA in Real Estate.  But is there a faster/more cost efficient way to \"get my feet wet?\"", "replies": [{"id": "dd9izlz", "text": "I never really bought into the whole MBA for real estate. Most people I know in the industry never got one, and are doing very well. If you want to work for a big real estate investment or brokerage firm in NYC or London, then you will probably need an MBA, otherwise you do not. If you can read a contract, know fundamental excel skills, and can speak confidently in a meeting (act like you know what you are talking about when most likely you don't), then the rest is learned on the job. Its a people business, your network is far more valuable than your degree.\n\nThe fastest, most cost efficient way to get into the industry is to 1) decide what part of the industry (ownership side, brokerage, development, property management, valuation, etc.) you want to get into and 2) literally make a list of every single company in that field and 3) cold call, email, mail your resume to each one asking for a coffee meeting and opportunities. ", "replies": [{"id": "ddh0qat", "text": "That was solid advice Listen to this man ", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]