ARGUS training scholarship to help entry level candidates
Evening.  I sit on the board of a prominent real estate trade association.  Recently I thought of an idea to create a scholarship for finance majors, real estate majors and business administration majors.  The intent is to help students that may be interested in CRE beef up their resume without having to get an MBA in Real Estate with the hope that they can find a good job at major real estate companies.  The genesis of the idea came from a long discussion about how major companies in our market only hire MBAs for entry level jobs(which is total crap-sorry MBAs, but entry level should not need an MBA).  I got some major players to admit that they only hire MBAs from two schools but would be willing to hire undergrads from other, not as prestigious universities if the students had ARGUS training or the RE certifications.   

Additionally, I am drivin by trying to encourage some diversity our business.  I don't know about you, but it's pretty old, white and male dominant in my market.  I would really like to help African American, women and all others break into a hard business and be the next generation of RE moguls. 

What does a full ARGUS training certificate cost?  What  accredited organizations offer the certification?   Any other ideas on what certifications would be useful at an entry level analyst job?  

Thank you!
[{"id": "hktf2d7", "text": "Graduated in May finance bs 3.8gpa no relevant work experience (construction/restaurant). Looking to break into CRE acquisitions/development. Having trouble getting an offer, had a few interviews no luck. I did some modeling and conceptual certificate courses of the summer. Any advice?", "replies": [{"id": "hktff5h", "text": "Keep at it. Reach out to everyone in your local market and buy them coffee and ask them advice. Ask who you should meet and if they\u2019ll provide an introduction. Network your butt off. If you have financial support or low spending habits, get a job at a brokerage shop so you have some relevant work experience. Shops like Marcus and Millichap will hire people with no experience. Get involved in networking groups. You\u2019ll likely find your job through networking. Good luck!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "hkuyycz", "text": "1.) Message everybody you can on linkedin. Not about work, but just about connecting. Ask for a 20 minute phone call to just introduce yourself, find out why they got into CRE, and what their journey has ben like. If it's been a good convo, you can usually ask for their help finding an open role or a company hiring. People inevitably want to share their experiences and help those willing to learn.\n\n2.) Where are you located? Are you open to moving?  Check out [yrep.org](https://yrep.org) and make an account. They have hundreds of jobs on their board. When you find one you like, repeat step 1.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hkuk63h", "text": "Cool idea. Keep in mind, argus clicks the box for entry-level analysts, although nobody assumes this alone means they understand much more than the program. There are some online classes that offer their brand of certification for spreadsheet analysis, I can't offer an opinion of quality or perception by potential employers.\n\nOne thought is to crowd-source the concepts used for exam preparation and help create some study groups. The exam costs \\~$200 and full classes with prep are \\~$2-3k. Argus might be coaxed into half or more off of these amounts, or some universities offer really cheap (fess hundred) 2 day program with test. \n\nCCIM is always my first choice for the very basics of CRE finance. It's totally approachable for all levels and I'm sure they will work with you on cost. Now, here's the fun part. You need a portfolio and/or years of experience to get the designation. After completing the classes a candidate would have a great reason to contact local brokers for advice and assistance completing this - who wouldn't take this call?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hkvuj7s", "text": "UCLA Extension offers an 11-week course on ARGUS as part of their certificate. It's $770 and you can take it as a standalone course.\n\n[https://www.uclaextension.edu/real-estate/real-estate/course/using-argus-enterprise-commercial-real-estate-analysis-mgmt-x-47795](https://www.uclaextension.edu/real-estate/real-estate/course/using-argus-enterprise-commercial-real-estate-analysis-mgmt-x-47795)\n\nI took it a couple of years ago, and honestly, it's all you need to pursue the ARGUS Certification -- if you wish to do so. Now, IRL although I've seen some folks show it in their resume/LinkedIn, in reality  no one cares if you have it. All they care about if you know your way around it.\n\nUCLA will give you a 6-month student license to install it in your home computer. You just have to buy the textbook. (at least that's how I did it). Nowadays it can be done remotely as well, for those out of LAX.\n\nAs for learning in general, I highly, highly recommend Justin Kivel's courses on RE finance. He has his own academy called Break Into CRE. Heavy on excel modeling (in lieu of ARGUS... not every shop has it) helped me tremendously.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hkygd3t", "text": "The CRE analyst program created by James Ray is something I would look into. I think the course introduces you to the major players in the industry (lender, lp/gp, brokers etc) and the legal docs during the transaction process (psa, leases, deeds etc) From what I have heard, they discuss Argus and excel underwriting at a high level.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]