Consulting to REPE - How to Get Noticed

Hey all. I'm currently a 2nd year analyst in consulting (tier 2 / big 4) looking to transition into an acquisitions focused role. Most of what I've done has been more on the corporate strategy / customer strategy side, so I haven't had any live deal experience; however, all of my clients have been closely tied to the MBS securitization world (think Fannie / Freddie / lenders).

I have a real interest in real estate and have spent the past 6 months teaching myself modeling and learning about real estate valuations. Recently, I've started networking with people in these roles and have had some traction, but everyone I spoke to wasn't looking to hire. Despite doing many resume drops, I still haven't ever heard back and all the headhunters keep canceling on me.

Does anyone have advice on how to get noticed and start actually getting interviews? Is it possible coming from a straight consulting background or would I be better served jumping to real estate consulting?


Thanks!

 
Most Helpful

I think in your current role you will look like a 'generic newbie' when applying for principal real estate roles, nothing wrong with this, but I am not sure how much more competitive you will look relative to new grads, especially those with relevant in-field internships. 

This is isn't to say consulting analyst roles are viewed negatively, just that you would be attempting to effectively 'lateral' to a new, entry level type position. Clearly, networking is route you would have most luck with as I don't know how far the HR dept you will get in resume screening. Being '2nd year' isn't going to be enough to break in as an experienced professional in most firms (YMMV). 

Thus, an internal transfer to an RE team would put you closer to being able to claim relevant experience, plus you hopefully can directly network with prospective employers. You could also do the whole MBA/MSRE/D route, that plus a few years of legit consulting exp would probably make you more marketable. This is an expensive route but many in similar positions like yours will do exactly that, and you will thus be competiting with them regardless (for sure with respect to the big name firms).   

So to sum, not impossible, and via networking and tenacity it could be doable... but not easy and you will face a lot of competition from people with more aligned backgrounds. 

 

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