Struggling with Job Search
Hey guys. I’m a Senior at University and am graduating this May. I’m a RE major with a focus in finance, but I’m really struggling with landing a job, or even getting an interview for that matter. I’ve been trying to make myself stand out with things like Argus.  I’m applying to basically anything that I’m at least a little interested in but I’m having next to no luck. Any advice?
[{"id": "ffz2czq", "text": "Seriously, cold call boutique brokerages. Always call the top guy. Its easy to find the top guy\u2019s number. I do it every day, just because I\u2019m talking with them to get info on their listings. \n\nI have no doubt that if I cold called our owner/broker and told him I was about to graduate and wanted to get into the business, he would have asked me to come in and talk with him and probably would have given me the job that way. \n\nHe was looking for a college grad to mentor though, so this won\u2019t work for every broker you call. Depending on the size of the town you\u2019re looking, there should be enough brokers that a few of them will like the idea, enjoy your boldness, and see your desire to cold call to get what you want.", "replies": [{"id": "ffz3u4b", "text": "Great advice! Network yourself. Most jobs aren\u2019t posted and calling will show hustle that your peers aren\u2019t showing.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "fg2j47y", "text": "And just ask questions about their job. They probably know why you\u2019re trying to meet with them and jobs will come up naturally if they like you", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ffz3z0s", "text": "Here\u2019s what I did to get into the business...\n\nCold call a broker and take him out to lunch to \u201clearn about the business\u201d.   Use the time to pitch your skill set.  Also use the time to see if there\u2019s anyone else they\u2019d think you should speak with (ask for 3 to 5 names). \n\nThe first broker that\u2019s interested in you might not be the best fit.   Keep meeting brokers and learning about their business (there\u2019s a lot of ways to be a broker).\n\nAfter a few months you should have 20 something names/contacts.\n\nOnce you have a direction you think you want to go, go back to the brokers that specialize in what you\u2019d like to do.\n\nLastly - don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to property owners and asset managers.  They work directly with brokers and can point you to brokers that they like and respect.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ffzabl1", "text": "All depending on what you want to do, but if you have the Argus skills, something in the realm of appraisal/financial consulting is another way to start if you are not trying to do the brokerage route. Plenty of opportunities for guys wanting to run numbers all day in addition to those who want to master cold calling. But definitely network like hell, because it\u2019s a relationship biz at the end of the day.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ffznmm1", "text": "Where are you and what do you want to do in the industry?", "replies": [{"id": "ffzw7uo", "text": "I\u2019m in New England, but willing to relocate for sure. I\u2019m most interested in analysis. My long term goal is to enter development if that gives you an idea of hopeful career trajectory", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ffznv9f", "text": "First, I would say be patient. Unlike investment banking for example, where there are set deadlines to apply and recruiting finishes before students graduate, real estate hires on an as needed basis. But trust me, if you love the field, the wait is worth it because you end up doing that you love.\n\nSecond, completely agree with what everyone has suggested so far. Another thing I would do though in regards to the networking is to reach out to alumni from your school that work in real estate and contact them. You can do it through LinkedIn by searching by school and industry, or if your school has an alumni directory, email them. Your hit rate with alumni is going to be higher than just cold emailing. Start off the conversations asking about their positions and how they broke in. If the conversation is flowing, ask if they know of anyone who might be hiring at the end of the call or meet-up (but read the person and their willingness to help first). Also, I\u2019m not sure what part of the country you\u2019re in but if you want to get out and network in person, there are plenty of conferences held by larger real estate networks like the Urban Land Institute, that you can attend to meet people.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ffzrdu6", "text": "Seconding cold calling to build the network yourself", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fg04ael", "text": "Hi, I\u2019m a student in Seattle hoping to go into RE too! First off don\u2019t get discouraged. Real Estate is a hard industry to break into. Second, I\u2019d go to networking/educational events put on by NAIOP, ULI, ICSC or CBA. The last two are pricey but here in Seattle I can get into a NAIOP event for $20/$40 and I\u2019ve got a whole room of people to meet! Another skill to consider is getting excel certified. Learning to make your own macros can really impress developers. Drop me a DM if you want a list of a couple development firms you can call!", "replies": [{"id": "fg04vr3", "text": "Thanks for this advice! I was under the impression that developers really don't hire people straight out of undergrad, is this true?", "replies": [{"id": "fg04zfk", "text": "Some will as analysts, but they look for excel/Argus skills. I\u2019ve spoken to two that are considering hiring an analyst.", "replies": [{"id": "fg09kow", "text": "That\u2019s really exciting to hear actually. I guess I gotta start making calls!", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fg13yhv", "text": "If you are interested in development, maybe try and land a job as an assistant property manager. This will give you a good entry into the field and set you up with some initial connections that could expand with time as most property management companies have their fingers in some kind of development.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fg18zpd", "text": "Your doing it right. Learning  ARGUS is very important. Also do a bunch of informational interviews on LinkedIn", "replies": [{"id": "fg1j835", "text": "I\u2019ve never heard of those, what are they?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fg56iyo", "text": "I\u2019m in development in New England. Feel free to message me if you want to chat in depth...", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fh7f8j5", "text": " \n\n* Are you interested in the Internet? I do game recharge", "replies": [{"id": "fh84n07", "text": "I\u2019m not sure what that is, I\u2019ve never heard of it.", "replies": [{"id": "fhd2ab0", "text": "Do you have a WeChat?", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]