Career advice for a 21 year old soon to be college graduate
Hey all,

 Im 21 about to graduate from George Mason With a Major in Finance and a minor in Real Estate Development. I'm looking to work for companies that primarily do multifamily building mortgage or brokerage, or work for public sector company that does commercial real estate.  I already have my salesperson license and am interested in all things RE and also plan on getting an advanced degree post-grad.  If you could do it all over again to amass wealth, what would you do? Any words of advice are welcome!
[{"id": "hjv4nku", "text": "Yes. You can be laser focused on making money, if that's what you want. But really getting to understand the economics, politics, and psychology of the business can be intellectually rewarding if you want it to be.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hjv50bc", "text": "1) Get a job at the largest firm you can - name recognition and training there will go a long way. 2) stay there for at least 2 years, and be as curious as possible. 3) save money to buy RE as soon as you can afford an investment unit or a SFR. 4) after a few years, get an MBA.", "replies": [{"id": "hjw73es", "text": "Generally agree with most of this--but think that \"largest firm\" can have multiple definitions.\n\nThere are companies with large headcount--think something along the lines of the largest CRE brokerages,\n\nand then there are investment funds with fewer headcount involved in large to colossal projects. With OPs background, value-add multifamily funds could be extremely engaging.", "replies": [{"id": "hjwkyth", "text": "Given the breadth of area you mentioned. Jordan\u2019s response is pretty on point. \n\nDo you want development, debt/equity, or brokerage as a starting point. Big brokerage houses will interact with development and the money side. You can use that starting point to go to a top MBA or real estate school and then read the market and go from there.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "hjwopie", "text": "I also generally agree. However, I\u2019d put deal flow as another priority. See more and learn more that way", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "hjxf9sv", "text": "Large means large AUM.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hjvscza", "text": "Travel the world and work some shitty ass jobs for as LONG AS YOU CAN \u2026 otherwise you will get burned out very quickly and regret going into a career way to early", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hjwnnee", "text": "If I had it to do all over again.  I would have invested for myself much sooner and not worked for others so long. I wish you happiness in your journey.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hjx5fpe", "text": "Setup your linkedin.  And list coffee as a skill.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hjxbct1", "text": "Take a year off and travel.  Come back and get a job in a sector that will create real advantages for you in the future, affordable housing, assisted living, outpatient medical.  Multifamily always seems to outperform the other product types in the long run, so that may be a good choice as we\u2019ll.  Spend your 20\u2019s learning a skill in CRE, go out on your own in your early 30\u2019s and apply that skill.  For most, a post graduate degree is a waste.  Be patient, it\u2019s a marathon not a sprint.  You\u2019re 20\u2019s and early 30\u2019s are where you brain is constantly compounding.  Your mid 30\u2019s until your retirement is where you money should compound.   Don\u2019t be afraid of risk, but don\u2019t take risks just to be risky.  Many people will say \u201csure I\u2019d risk that if I had a million dollars\u201d. The reality is, they would never lay it on the line to get into a position to have a million dollars.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hjy4lmq", "text": "Never sacrifice happiness for a job! Work where your having fun, appreciated, and comfortable.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hjybmsw", "text": "The best advice to any investor is \u201cif you can\u2019t buy it twice you can\u2019t afford it.\u201d Investment holds a lot of risk and you better be able to absorb it. Also cash is king.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hjyjpt3", "text": "I was in a very similar position that you are in currently about a year ago. I worked as an environmental consultant for a year after graduating, saved the money and am now 6 months into commercial real estate brokerage where I have $11 million worth of listings. (Note: these are anything but guaranteed to close so I may not even get paid on them, and I\u2019m luckier than most, but the harder you work, the luckier you seem to get).\n\nIf you can apply yourself to 60+ hour work weeks and not getting paid for 12 months, handle throwing yourself at a wall for long periods of time with practically no results, you can possibly achieve success in brokerage. To me, the risk was, I spend 12-18 months on something with no kids/family/real responsibilities that would keep me from at least trying to be a 6-figure agent by the time I\u2019m 24-25. Not very many other jobs have anywhere close to that kind of upside. My mentor in the company who has worked here for 6 years made $400k last year and is only 29. \n\nOf course, I could\u2019ve invested the time and money into something else, but the returns on this career can be significantly higher than another investment or career choice. Albeit the risk of wasting 12-18 months and living costs spent over that same time period can be large, my firm has solid training in place so you aren\u2019t left to fend for yourself. They really sell you on the kool-aid at my brokerage (we are a national firm with 10+ offices).", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hjyv5wm", "text": "If you\u2019re wanting to stay in NoVa then Freddie Mac Multifamily could be a good fit and they are hiring for several entry level positions. Check out their openings on their website. Happy to answer any questions about my experience there if you want to PM me as well.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]