Changing Industries to Real Estate. Best way in?
Hello,

I graduated with a BSBA in International Business and Finance in 2013, took a job working in benefits outsourcing starting Jan 2014, and currently make 50,000 annually - I'm not very jazzed about it, and there's not much money to be made as quickly as I'd like.

I've decided that I want to get into real estate and development (thinking of getting masters in Real Estate/Real Estate Development/Urban Planning or MBA w/RE focus, but not for a few years)  What is the best way to get experience in real estate finance given my initial stint in HRO?  I have looked at getting excel modeling courses on Udemy or from Wall Street Prep, and looking to be an analyst at a REIT or at a bank in NYC (currently in ATL).  Anyone have any advice/similar early career transition stories?
[{"id": "d1ca40y", "text": "Honestly, I think you'd  be on track with an entry-level analyst position as you thought. The problem is, you won't be able to match your current salary of $50k, most likely. You would come close, but it would take a year or two to get up to $50k. \n\nHow about a CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation? It's a good way to get a start and will teach you the basics of Real Estate Finance.\n\nI'm not the most qualified on this board, but the CCIM designation was my first thought. I do believe you have to have a RE license and be a REALTOR in order to get the CCIM though.", "replies": [{"id": "d1cclih", "text": "CCIM has deal volume requirements I believe, so it's more suited to someone already working in CRE than someone with no previous experience. ", "replies": [{"id": "d1ed2ev", "text": "That's the impression I got as well", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d1cacxn", "text": "I started out in public accounting and made the switch by going back to school, so not exactly the same situation, but here is my advice:\n\n* Network.  This will be crucial.  Try hitting up RE alumni or just people whose contact info you can get your hands on and ask for informational interviews.  Or hit up some of the professional associations (i.e. ULI) to see if you can meet some people.  Make sure you do your homework on these folks and try to ask intelligent questions (beyond just \"what do you do?\")  As part of your pitch, you should have down your spiel as to why you're making the transition to RE at this point and what your interest in RE is.\n\n* Financial modeling.  This is always a marketable skill to have so try taking some of the course you mentioned.  In addition, if you can somehow get to learn Argus, that would be huge.\n\n* Brokers/Salesperson license.  Some may disagree but I actually think it's a huge help to get your license even if you have no intention of becoming a broker.  I got mine years ago and the knowledge I got from getting it has been helpful and I've actually seen some analyst type positions require candidates to have one, so I figure it couldn't hurt.\n\nAs for your goals, working at a bank (I assume Wall St.) in NYC may or may not be your cup of tea.  I find the REIB platforms at most banks to be focused on large deals or more M&amp;A or equity related offering than focused on the actual tangible RE (I used to work at one).  If you find that you're most interested in RE for rolling up the sleeves and building something, your best bet might be to work for a developer or even in brokerage rather than a bank.  (Basically something closer to the asset.)  In addition, most if not all of the BB firms have competitive on campus recruiting cycles that make it tough to break in.\n\nGood luck with this!", "replies": [{"id": "d1edb5x", "text": "Great advice!  Thank you for taking the time to reply.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d1cflx8", "text": "Network. Join BOMA and IREM. Both well worth the money, but go to the meetings. Last job I got was through and IREM connection. Next job will be through a BOMA connection.", "replies": [{"id": "d1cn6vi", "text": "And always always always show up 15 minutes early to the networking events.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d21m7s4", "text": "Start interviewing.  Talk to people.  They will give you more insight into the industry and your market than the internet.", "replies": [{"id": "d2groe0", "text": "Duly noted", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]