February 2026
Breaking into CRE can feel competitive, especially early in your career. To offer practical, real world guidance, we asked current CRE professionals to share the advice they believe best positions students and early career talent for long term success in the industry.
This is an ongoing series, and we will continue adding insights from professionals across the CRE landscape.
Advice for Early Career CRE Professionals
Associate | Arc Capital Partners
“For undergrads or folks in early career looking to transition, the sooner you can start immersing yourself in the world of CRE, the better. That means subscribing to real estate publications, reading weekly articles, keeping up with transaction activity, etc, regardless of if you even understand what it all means.
Ultimately, this ties directly into the concept of learning through absorption. From reading about the industry, talking about the industry, and studying real estate concepts, you will pick up the lingo in no time. That “lingo” and ability to “speak the language” is a key differentiator between someone with 2+ years experience and a Junior in college, so even more impressive if you can do this while still in undergrad.
Piggybacking off that point, one of the most valuable things you can do is lean on your network and take advantage of every opportunity to “pick the brain” of someone who is in the industry, as frequently as you can. I don’t think this advice really ever gets old. Whether you’re in undergrad, early in your career, or have 20 years of experience, you never know what you may learn from just having conversations.
Don’t hyperfixate on what everyone else is doing. Focus on you.
Advice to my younger self: Ask More Questions.”
The takeaway:
You don’t have to understand everything right away. Just start paying attention.
Read the articles, track deals, and listen to how people talk about the business. Over time, you’ll naturally start picking up the terminology and concepts.
Focus on building your own knowledge and your own relationships, don’t get distracted by what your peers are doing, and ask your questions. The people who grow fastest are usually the ones who are willing to admit they don’t know everything.
Associate | Menlo Equities
“I think my biggest advice would be to build your network as soon as possible. Grab coffee, lunch, drinks, etc. and keep in touch with people.
People in our industry love connecting and networking, and are especially generous with their time when it comes to mentoring the next generation of Commercial Real Estate professionals.
Take advantage of being young and curious and get to know as many people as you can!”
The takeaway:
CRE is a relationship driven business. The earlier you start building genuine connections, the better positioned you’ll be.
Reach out, follow up, and stay in touch. Most professionals remember what it was like to be starting out and are willing to help if you show real interest.
Stay tuned for more perspectives from CRE professionals!
