A land use planner's pivot to CRE?
I am a mid-career land use planner at a zoning law practice in a big coastal metro. For context, I spend my days evaluating the development and use potential of properties. I am well-versed in obtaining zoning entitlements and favorable zoning administrator determinations for clients. 

At this point in my career, I am beginning to suspect that I will be limited within the zoning field as it relates to my career advancement. It's a narrow field, and I feel like I need experience in other dimensions of real estate development to take that next step. But where do I go from here? What would make for a logical pivot? 

For background, I am ignorant on the transactional side of real estate, mostly because I've gotten to where I am quite nicely without having to know it. But at this point, I think that gaining knowledge in that phase might round out my experience and skills and help me break through to the next compensation level. 

I have been considering getting my Masters in Real Estate part-time at night, for instance. I'm not sold on this idea yet, but I can't think of a better way to get specialized knowledge about the business side of RE development AND make the necessary connections to advance in my career. Or should I just keep reading this sub and books on the topic?

All thoughts welcome - thanks ahead of time!
[{"id": "f1va6zb", "text": "I was also a land use planner in a law firm in a coastal metro but have since moved into development. If you're willing to go back to school, I recommend considering getting an MBA instead of a masters in RE. I have spoken to several developers who value MBAs over RE degrees because they provide more of the foundational business/financial background than a RE degree does. If you know the numbers, your zoning background will be very useful, especially if you want to work for a firm that develops in the regions you have expertise in. Finally, definitely use those connections to clients - are there some you are closer with than others? Are they looking to hire? It depends on the region, but most real estate markets are relationship based and it helps to have personal connections when trying to get hired. Anyway, that's my takeaway, having been in exactly your position. Learn the finance!", "replies": [{"id": "f1vly69", "text": "Wow, thanks for your helpful answer. That really gives me some good context and food for thought.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "f35xqgb", "text": "Where are you located, approximately?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]