What does a day-to-day look like for a Business Analyst at CRE firms?
Hey Everyone,

I made a post here about a few months ago about breaking into CRE. I have been trying to network on LinkedIn, but it’s been a miss, for the most part. However, I’m still planning to do the A.CRE Accelerator program.

Currently, I’m a “Business Analyst” (title has been switched) at a F500 energy company, but the work itself blows. I find it uninteresting, and I personally hate it there. Although the a lot of people enjoy themselves there, I personally hate it. I’m not sure whether it’s due to burnout, but trying to stick at least 6 months to have something related to my degree on my resume.

What does a business analyst do at these CRE firms? I currently regret my major and if it’s the same shit everywhere, I’m screwed lol.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions!
[{"id": "iu159v5", "text": "What is it that you do as a business analyst currently? Curious what that day to day looks like.", "replies": [{"id": "iu15qpi", "text": "My role is more associated with RPA (Robot Process Automation) and improving the already developed automations, or developing new ones. I act as the liaison between the customers and developers.\n\nI personally don\u2019t code, and I love that, cause I hate coding, so I\u2019d rather stay with a more functional role. I\u2019m trying to break into CRE and eventually transition into acquisitions.", "replies": [{"id": "iurl9ur", "text": "I am sure you have transferable skills or at least inclinations but i think there are going to be steps and maybe a job or two in between where you are and where you think you want to be now. I say think because as you spend time in the industry your feelings about where you want to be or the industry itself could change.  I have been in CRE brokerage for a decade and would be happy to speak more on guidance if that would be helpful. Either way keep doing what you're doing, ask questions and be relentless.", "replies": [{"id": "iursgwe", "text": "Thanks for the input. I\u2019ll definitely PM you later for further guidance and/or opinions.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iu17y4c", "text": "I think you'll find variances based on the what side of the industry you'd like to be involved with. I was on an investment sales brokerage team as an analyst role for \\~1 year at large shop. Personally, they were looking for me to grow into production role and it served as a sales associate role more than an analyst - had me keeping database in tact and initial cold calling owners directly. Other analysts in the shop served as a true analyst and did the same database work (minus cold calling), prepping marketing materials and a quite a bit of underwriting. Lots of exposure in IS brokerage roles, you'll get a taste of what it takes to be successful and learn the soft/hard skills necessary learning from other top brokers. \n\nIf I had to do over I'd likely join a debt/equity capital markets team. You'll see a ton of different deals (size of deal, different property types, more volume) and will get a solid grasp to how vital financing projects are and how investors evaluate risks/rewards using different leverage products. Note that most analysts have the end goal of being in production, as are the big earners. If you decide that isn't for you down the road, this side of the business seems to have the most versatile pivots one can have, inside and outside of the industry. \n\nAs for the principal side, again depends on where you land (size of company, business sector of industry, etc.). Tradeoff's for both: Dependent of size of company you'll likely have mile wide, inch deep breadth or the inverse (deals, network exposure, etc.). I joined a boutique investment shop after brokerage and while I'm still responsible for business development (acquisitions) I will note this side of the business gives you \"cradle to grave\" exposure operating a fund, which has more processes involved. \n\nBottom line: Junior years are prime time for learning the basics of the business and it doesn't matter where you are in the industry, I'd refrain from asking what day-to-day tasks are going to be and just question how involved in deals will you be and how will it catapult your career long term.", "replies": [{"id": "iu1cylq", "text": "Do you mind if I PM you?", "replies": [{"id": "iu1d7ap", "text": "Absolutely - let's chat", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]