What background did you have before getting into CRE? How should I go about getting into CRE with an unrelated degree?
I live in Houston, Texas and I'm graduating in one year with a degree in Computer Information Systems (business degree). I have zero knowledge or experience in CRE. What can I be doing now until I graduate to get into the industry, and what should I be doing after I graduate to get into the industry? What was your experience like if you graduated with an unrelated degree and made it into the business? 
[{"id": "dzkqt4v", "text": "Network. I graduated with a degree in Political Science and had just decided I didn't want to go to law school. You need to join organizations like ULI with a student membership and start talking to people in the industry. ", "replies": [{"id": "dzkrkb3", "text": "I'll definitely look into ULI. Looks like they have a Houston branch. My dad actually has a few connections for me already to network with, so there's that. Is there anything else besides networking? Is there any way to gain knowledge/experiene about the business before I graduate? ", "replies": [{"id": "dzksrm4", "text": "Houston is a very good market to get in now. Since Harvey there has been a lot of redevelopment, I am seeing the suburbs getting built out too. Depending on what you want to do, there should be a good chance of finding an opportunity. Ultimately, as the first guy said, networking is key, and keep abreast of the news, local and national, so you have some knowledgeability and talking points when you do. ULI and a few other sources have market news. Try to end your chats/conversations with the RE professionals with kind of a \"do you know anyone else I should talk to about this?\"", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dzkz2h9", "text": "I\u2019d say your degree is highly relevant. If you\u2019re not exclusively interested in brokerage, the major firms are hiring information systems experts like crazy. Information is the name of the game in CRE. Even if it is just a foot in the door for brokerage or other opportunities, it is a good place to start. \n\nI\u2019d also add that your degree will remain relevant as a broker. Some of the most productive and successful brokers rely on customized information systems that they\u2019ve built for their own use. Of course, sales ability and understanding the principals of the industry are fundamental, but information is the differentiator. ", "replies": [{"id": "dzsmiw8", "text": "I would definitely like to move into brokering after I've saved. Don't think I'd be able to survive on a draw or no income. I'm thinking I'd like to either go into analysis or appraisal until then. ", "replies": [{"id": "dztl312", "text": "Definitely listen to MCgoblue's note that your degree is highly relevant. Do not just limit yourself to thinking about brokerage though. There are a number of CRE tech startups providing solutions to the industry which need lots of young talent. Like all startups, these companies may not pan out, but you will learn an awful lot and be valuable in the information space for CRE.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dzllw35", "text": "I graduated with a Finance degree. That's good that you have a computer-oriented degree, as there seems to be a shortage of computer experts in CRE (excluding excel wizards). If you can bring some coding experience to help with your own workflow, and maybe even the organization's (depending on its size) I think you will become an attractive asset. Coding (python) has helped me a lot in my career so far.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]