Here's how you can kickstart your career in Commercial Real Estate with the best entry-level positions.

I started my career in the Research Department of Coldwell Banker (now CBRE). It was a fantastic way to learn the industry! I worked on all product types - office, industrial, retail and investments. I prepared quarterly reports for each specialty and helped with Property Surveys for the brokers in my office. I would highly recommend such a position as a launching point because you acquire so much intricate knowledge about the market and especially specific trade areas. Good data is so incredibly valuable in making real estate decisions - you can get out in front of it in this kind of start!!

Commercial real estate is a straightforward business as long as you understand the frameworks that drive our industry. There are four primary transaction types (sales, loans, joint ventures, and leases), and although every transaction is unique, they tend to hinge on familiar pivot points. Recognizing/managing these pivot points requires skills, which is why skills are more valuable than knowledge. Rule of thumb: If you can memorize something, it's not a skill. If you want autonomy, compensation, and security, develop expertise in the frameworks that build skills (key skill: property valuation). Research roles often provide a great perch to see these frameworks at play.

Launch your commercial real estate career by leveraging the power of networking events! Attend industry gatherings, conferences, and workshops. These events offer invaluable opportunities to connect with established professionals. Strike up conversations, share your enthusiasm, and learn about potential entry-level positions. Remember, building genuine connections can open doors and pave the way for exciting opportunities in the dynamic world of commercial real estate.

Research roles is a great way to kickstart your career! The role gives you a foothold on the foundation to build knowledge, insight and enthusiasm as you discover, interpret and communicate well with others. It serves as a catalyst to boost your self esteem as you learn where to look and obtain information to present a powerful report! The more you apply the knowledge ,the more you’ll see your skills start to take shape and sharpen over time! Leave no stone unturned as you’ll be able to answer questions quickly and satisfactory!

The foundation of commercial real estate investment is understanding the numbers. Entry-level roles often involve supporting investment analysts with research and data. Learn to analyze financial statements, understand market trends, and research tenant demographics. This builds a strong foundation for future success in evaluating potential investment opportunities.

Investment analysis is the root of any real estate asset class. If you nail down key indicators and discover opportunities for your investment group, brokerage, or developer you will set your career to many rights. It's all about discovery if you're looking to learn more feel free to reach out I'm happy to help.

Networking is crucial. Present yourself sharply and radiate positive vibes. Don't focus solely on acquiring clients. Instead, approach with a mindset of adding value, learning from others, and asking many questions. This approach has personally led me to deals in the future.

Get to a city. CRE jobs, companies, and specialties are concentrated in NYC, LA, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, DC, and San Francisco. These cities have a strong tailwind for young professionals. PS - Reasonable people disagree with this advice. Some people say to live where you want to live, even in small cities. But I've seen a much higher hit rate (with significantly more upside) for former students who launched their careers in the cities above.

Consider looking for a transaction coordinator job. You will manage administrative tasks of property transactions, ensure compliance with regulations, coordinate with all parties involved. You will need to have attention to detail, be organized, have a general understanding of real estate transactions. Also, look for research analyst jobs. You will conduct market research, gather data on industry trends, and prepare research reports. You will need some research skills and be proficient in data analysis tools. Lastly, look for real estate analyst jobs. You will conduct market research, analyze financial data, prepare reports, and assist in property valuations. You will need some analytical skills and a understanding of financial modeling.