New to CRE. Licensed. How to land a CRE leasing position?

Since graduating in '14 from a top school, I bounced between different jobs in sales and client services. This year I got my real estate license and want to join a commercial brokerage team as an office leasing associate.

Ideally could intern for a REPE brokerage firm, but it's probably not the only thing I could do for great experience and I'm not sure of my chances as not a fresh grad. I'm also eyeing middle market firms in my area and am wondering if I should cold pitch myself as a leasing intern for the experience.

please help!
[{"id": "j1fss90", "text": "You graduated in 2014 from a top school, but with what kind of degree? A Liberal Art graduate from Harvard doesn't have the same (and expected) skills as a Finance or Business Administration graduate from a state university. \n\nIf this is your case, I advice you to get a Masters in Real Estate. I had a BA in Mass Communications and getting the Masters opened me plenty of doors.\n\nWhat kind of job did you do as sales and client services? Is it related to finance or helped you create connections? \n\nLeasing is a relationship job, either from the landlord or the tenant perspective. On top of that, you will need to have some knowledge of excel and financial modelling, as well as a very solid knowledge of contracts. Most real estate license examinations and education focus heavily on the residential side, where there are many safety nets. You will not find those safety nets, nor standardization on the commercial side.\n\nPlease don't take this as discouraging, but be aware that pursuing a career in Commercial Real Estate is hard and competitive. Prepare yourself with the appropriate tools to stand out in the crowd, particularly at the start of your career. Once you gain solid experience is a lot easier, since a few make it that far.", "replies": [{"id": "j1goovb", "text": "I got a B.A. degree from a top 3 liberal arts college, not Harvard.\n\nI don't think I'm interested in going back to school, but I respect your traditional approach and want to reply and see what you think. Thanks for your time thus far.\n\nI worked for software companies in the Bay Area and did business development. Hundreds of calls per week and was a top salesman at both. Unfortunately, I haven't retained many meaningful relationships over the years in the corporate world. I've moved across the country and back and got into sales 3 years ago.\n\nThe relationship part of leasing is intimidating, but I think it's something I need to get over and just start from scratch. I'm new to the city I'm in any way.\n\nDo you think I need to learn fin modeling and excel before approaching a reputable CRE brokerage? I don't want to introduce myself at such a green stage and ruin any chances. There are only a 2-3 firms I want to join in my city.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "j1g1pzz", "text": "No need to spend extra dollars on school IMO. I do sales on retail/ industrial and the best way to learn is by doing deals. At the end of the day this job is just you and the phone, if you are personable enough and prepared to spend the first year banging out cold calls there is a path. My advice to anyone trying to get in is work at a small-medium sized local firm with at least a 50/50 split. Also super important to have a mentor that you like and respect. It can take years and years at the national firms to work your way up; but you will have better access to leads and depending on the firm more resources. \n\nFellow 2014 Grad, got into the biz in 2015 after attending a small liberal arts school as an anthopolgy major. Took me 7 months before I got my first check and never looked back.", "replies": [{"id": "j1gnqpl", "text": "I really like this, Wizard. Thanks. Really cool that you're a '14 grad too with a BA. You must be having quite a trip in industrial right now! Good for you.\n\nI'm wondering whether you're also referring to leasing, and not just sales. And the 50/50 split..applies to leasing brokers too?\n\nI'm looking at is this firm. And am really wondering what a good play here would be. They don't have brokers but experienced associates, etc. Don't see where a beginner would fit. Should I just call the head and ask about interning/broker roles?\n\nSorry for the big follow up, but you seem to have the knowledge I seek!\n\nedit: removed personal info", "replies": [{"id": "j1gsw4d", "text": "Thanks, most of the industrial I do ends up getting redevelop into retail or apts so retail adjacent industrial to be more accurate. Yes 50/50 split will apply to leasing too. Also broker can mean a number of different things depending on what state you are in but where I work broker and associate are used interchangeably. \n\nNot familiar with that firm, but I would reach out over the phone and send a follow up email to the managing brokers of the local firms with a number of quality listings. Just search loopnet and see what you find. I would shoot for a full service firm that also does property management because it will come in handy later in your career when you are a landlord. Also a good interest generator on a cold call. \u201c I saw your parking lot lights out in your center on blank do you need property management help?\u201d Sometimes this pisses people off but they will remember you when you follow up or start talking about the problems they are having with the center and thats how you figure out your way into the fold.\n\nI prefer sales because typically deals are much cleaner and I don\u2019t have to chase down a landlord for a commission. I do leasing for some retail properties so you can do both especially in retail. \n\nA lot of new leasing brokers will waste time on tenants that are undercapitalized or with limited operating experience so I would recommend being the listing agent and working with the landlord. But it all depends on your network, if you have a connection to a hot new concept that could be your ticket too.", "replies": [{"id": "j1h1bt3", "text": "Loopnet to find brokerages. Somehow that did not cross my mind. I just built out a sheet of like a dozen possible brokerages from doing that - thanks a TON.\n\nI'll remember that PM tip when making calls. And gees, I'm hoping an office landlord isn't someone I need to chase down for my commission. But I'll keep that in mind. \n\nTotally not looking to be a tenant rep. I've crossed that bridge. Unless it's something like WeWork or one of their 300 competitors that I could turn into a repeat client. That'd be a cool. \n\nMan you really flipped my outlook tonight, Wizard. Thanks", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "j23lloq", "text": "Back again. I haven't connected with the right brokerage just yet (holidays) but am being offered a 20% commission sales role with a 2,000/month pay at a small remote company that \"supplements organizations' existing acquisitions teams\" by providing off market deals. 150 calls per day working for two particular clients, they're asking 15-30 hours per week. \n\nWould you entertain the role while looking for the right place? Or is 20% commission just not something you\u2019d spend time on.\n\nThanks a lot Wiz!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "j1gbcuh", "text": "The best way is to door knock if you want to be a retail leasing agent. Check out Beth Azor and find a company who is a part of icsc", "replies": [{"id": "j1govqw", "text": "Not retail, but thank you.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]