How to get a foot in the door at JLL/CBRE
Hi,

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I have some decent work experience in residential (1 year+ development, several months sales agent, run a small prop management company via AirBnB).

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How do I get my foot in the door at a company like JLL or CBRE? I have applied a few times but always get rejected. It seems like they mainly hire grads from real estate degrees. Are there any ways to get in by taking another route (such as coming on as an appraiser, or assistant)? I have no real estate qualifications.

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Please advise!

Max
[{"id": "ff3uaey", "text": "Have you applied to jobs in the research departments there?  That\u2019s generally the best entry-level place to start there.  My first job out of college was in the research department at one of those two companies, but I also had done real estate stuff while in college.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ff4o3vd", "text": "What type of roles are you applying for at these companies?  I\u2019d pursue getting a real estate license. Look into Hondros College for taking required coursework for a fast track option.\n\nLong term, it would also help having at least a bachelors degree in business.\n\nAlso, I\u2019d look into real estate networking events to help get your name out there. A good place to start is your local IREM chapter, NAR, Board of Realtors, local business colleges, etc.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ff55ugm", "text": "Networking.  Networking.  Networking.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ff7xhm5", "text": "I'm assuming you want to work in brokerage. If you have a LinkedIn (if not, I'd encourage you to make an account), reach out to individual brokers or analysts on teams you're interested in working for. Ask them for coffee and ask them questions related to what it is like working for a top-tier team. Be transparent about your experiences thus far but also demonstrate your eagerness to learn. \n\nIn the meantime, brush up on your CRE finance/terminology and industry trends. Download free Excel proformas and understand property cash flows. \n\nHere is a great free resource for Excel models:  [https://www.adventuresincre.com/library-real-estate-excel-models/](https://www.adventuresincre.com/library-real-estate-excel-models/) \n\nThis book is a good introduction to CRE finance, return metrics, and ratios:  [https://www.amazon.com/Real-Estate-Investors-Pocket-Calculator/dp/081443889X](https://www.amazon.com/Real-Estate-Investors-Pocket-Calculator/dp/081443889X) \n\nIf you went to a college with a real estate center, reach out to them. They will have contacts. \n\nJoin trade organizations like ULI, NAIOP, ICSC, etc. They're expensive though you might be able to get your current employer to cover your membership fees. \n\n\\*Speaking from experience working for a large brokerage house, I'd definitely go into these meetings knowing the direction you want to take within the company and what asset class you're interested in. These are big companies with many different departments including:\n\n1. Property Management &amp; Tenant Rep\n2. Research\n3. Capital Markets (debt/equity placement)\n4. Investment Advisory\n\nJust to name a few. Narrow down where you want to start. Most likely you will start as an analyst and work your way into a production role (being a broker) if you stay in the capital markets, investment advisory, or tenant rep spaces. As mentioned below, CBRE's Research department is a great place to start if you're entry level. Here you will conduct research and various projects for brokers. The goal is to form relationships with these brokers you work with, narrow down a team you like, then become an analyst for that team in 3-5 years.\n\nIf this doesn't appeal to you, think about moving to the principal side where you work for a REIT, fund, etc. investing \"your own\" money into CRE as opposed to facilitating the transaction - which is what these larger brokerage houses do.\n\nHope this helps. I found myself in a similar position as you many years ago which is why I felt inclined to share some input. Feel free to message me if you have additional questions.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ff9p9jq", "text": "why are you so drawn to those firms? you wont make any reall commissions for a a couple of years there. find a boutiqe firm that has good deal flow and will let you make your own commissions.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]