Do you need a license to work as a commercial analyst?
Hello all,

College senior graduating in December. I really want to break into CRE or Development. From my research I see one of the best ways to do this is to break in as an analyst or researcher and work my way up. Do analyst at the Commercial level need to have their license? Thanks
[{"id": "dkacwjk", "text": "No, not that I know of, especially if you start out at a smaller firm. For credentials look at CCIM when you are much older. In the meantime, learn how to underwrite a property (tenant rent roll terminology, and expenses), learn excel very well, learn argus enterprise and learn to talk to people on the phone and in meetings.", "replies": [{"id": "dkaitjr", "text": "Awesome advice thank you. Would you recommend getting Argus certified? Also do you know of any free resources on learning to underwrite a property? The places I've looked seem to not disclose all of the information you need. They only teach how to calculate ltv, debt service , and noi", "replies": [{"id": "dkamb1g", "text": "Argus certification is OK, but I wouldn't do it unless an employer pays for it or it's subsidized by your school somehow.\n\n", "replies": [{"id": "dkcgjaq", "text": "Glad to hear that. 1k on the cert is a little expensive for me", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "dkbckb8", "text": "Getting argus certified is not something ive seen as a certification that gives one credibility. It is, a pretty easy program to use (albeit clunky and rigid...a lot of clicking vs. Excel) once you know how to underwrite a property. I learned how to underwrite from a former underwriter and servicer...and that really taught me real estate. We used a book called \"The Handbook of First Mortgage Underwriting\". The rules of underwriting are kind of loose and subjective, as the standards will differ from shop to shop, so take the book as a starting point. After you know those basics....Argus is easy. Youre young , have google, know how to find pdfs....and can use other argus files as learning tools.", "replies": [{"id": "dkcgigd", "text": "Thank you for the great advice. I'm going to order the book, and start learning everything I can.", "replies": [{"id": "dkcm472", "text": "No problem, man. I tried to look online for the pdf but no luck. Good luck.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dl5ncg9", "text": "No, you don't need a license. I just received this position a few months after graduating with a bachelors in finance. I had no internship experience or anything. As I advance and get the hang of things, the company will help pay for classes/licenses. ", "replies": [{"id": "dl8lzvs", "text": "Nice. How was your experience in the job search? Was it hard to find employment?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]