Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Real Estate Investment Associates
For undergraduate students interested in real estate investment, entry-level analyst positions at investment management firms or in the operator/developer space are readily available, particularly for finance or accounting majors. Alternatively, a less traditional path, as illustrated by Geoff's own experience starting in "terrible pay" property management, demonstrates that resourcefulness and diverse roles like property management, valuations/appraisals, or brokerage (requiring "hitting the phones pretty hard") can all serve as valuable entry points.
Entry-Level Positions, Real Estate Investment, Financial Analysis, Property Management, Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Geoff Esmail
Real Estate Investment Assoicate
Wealth Management Company
University of Arizona
UCLA & MBA
History, Art History
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level analyst positions are available at investment management firms or in the real estate development space.
2. Property management offers a good starting point, providing practical experience. Consider supplementing with additional schooling.
3. Valuations and appraisals are alternative entry points, while brokerage provides a social, phone-heavy environment.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might want to consider?
If you're in finance or accounting, particularly graduating from undergrad, you can likely get an entry-level analyst position. This could be at an investment management firm like ours or in the operator developer space. They hire analysts and teach transferable skills valuable across principle roles where you'd own and develop real estate.
I have a bit of a bias because I didn't follow that traditional route. Frankly, I don't think many 18-year-olds know what they want to do. There's a lot of pressure on students entering college to pick the "right" degree for the "right" job. I think that's unfair to the academic freedom you should have at that age.
I'm a big advocate for humanities and social sciences. It can be a bit harder without a direct path, like having completed specific business courses. It requires being resourceful to find opportunities, similar to finding deals in real estate.
For me, my first job was in property management for a boutique brokerage firm in the Bay Area. The owner had a portfolio of small apartment buildings. The pay was terrible, and I was knocking on doors and giving notices to tenants.
If you take a non-traditional route and don't have a business undergrad degree, don't panic. Understand that your first job might not be glamorous. If you put in the work and invest in additional schooling, you'll eventually find a job you're excited about.
Property management is a great starting point. Valuations and appraisals are also good options if you didn't pursue a traditional business degree. There are plenty of jobs in those fields.
If you're extroverted, brokerage is another excellent path. You'll need to be prepared to make a lot of calls, show spaces, and do extensive outreach. If you thrive in a social environment, that's a fantastic place to start.
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