The CRE industry is dynamic, competitive, and ever evolving. As a recent or soon -to-be graduate, it’s unlikely that you are going to have the hands-on experience companies require for entry level positions. Here are some things you can work on as a rising sophomore or junior to build skillsets and experience that can help differentiate you from your fellow classmates and peers:
1. Research and Prepare Early
- Understand the requirements for obtaining a real estate salesperson license and get it; the earlier the better.
- A great entry point to CRE industry is as an analyst; take classes to learn financial modeling *ARGUS.
- Consider certifications or specialized training programs in CRE: REFM; A.CRE.
- Explore resources such as A.CRE and read blog posts by Tucker Wells YT videos.
2. NETWORK!
- Join your school’s real estate club.
- Attend industry events, join associations, and participate in networking opportunities.
- Informational interviews……speak with as many people as possible to understand what they do. Engage with individuals already in the CRE Industry to gain understanding of the different roles and grow your connections.
- After attending industry events, use LinkedIn to expand your CRE network by connecting with the professionals you’ve met.
- Volunteer! NAIOP, ULI, ICSC, BOMA, IREM and more……
3. Seek Mentorship
- Find a mentor in the industry who can provide guidance, advice, and insights into the commercial real estate field.
- Mentors can help you navigate the industry and make informed career decisions.
4. Internships
- Outreach to the network of CRE professionals you’ve made to look for internships.
- Talk with professors, speakers, and advisors to explore internship possibilities.
- Use career platforms such as Handshake and LinkedIn (your school’s career page is also a good resource).
- Find brokerage firms, property management companies, or investment firms and go on their website to see any openings/ potential positions.
- Gaining hands-on experience and exploring different roles within CRE is crucial.
5. Stay Informed and Adaptable
- Stay updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and regulatory changes.
- Subscribe to industry publications, attend conferences, and participate in professional development opportunities.
By following these steps and strategies, college students can better prepare themselves to build up necessary skills and qualifications to enter the field of Commercial Real Estate. For additional tips to enhance your resume read our blog post on resume improvement strategies.
