Possible for a post-MBA consultant (1 year out) to pivot to RE Acquisition/Dev role at Related/Hines etc?

Thinking I'd like to make this transition next year. I have done some investing with my family and would like to pursue a FT role with one of the big dev shops. (Not at a place in life where I can take a big pay cut so would like to aim for the bigger shops).

How tough will this be? I have a T15 MBA with a RE minor. Have a network I can try tapping into. Also have big 4 audit and valuation experience pre MBA .

Also, am I being foolish in thinking that CRE will be lucrative over 10 years compared to pursuing partnership at a top consulting firm?

Comments ( 9 )

21h
jmonkey11 , what's your opinion? Comment below:

Thanks. Comp at my firm is 190 +25% target bonus. So looking at 240k, ramping to ~300k in 2 years.

I do sense that bonuses over a longer horizon seem to have the potential to make things up.

1d
pudding , what's your opinion? Comment below:

Yes. You can make the pivot. Network though. That's how you open the door. Will it be possible to get into a Hines - sure. Would it be likely? The job market is tough . You may need to be open to different firms. With that said, many firms will be able to pay like Hines (many will not be able to!) but be open. Hines doesn't actually pay top dollar. They know you'll come over for the brand.

21h
jmonkey11 , what's your opinion? Comment below:

Thanks! Appreciate the encouraging words. And that makes sense. Definitely going to be open to other shops too. But I know that MBA isn't a big input in RE recruiting and I know shops like Related have a bit more of an MBA dedicated pipeline with base comp in high 100s, which is appealing as I'm almost in my 30s and would like to live a bit nicer (scarred from being severely underpaid at big 4 lol).

Do you have any thoughts on roles? I find development interesting but with my background and the consulting role (which is valuation heavy), I think it makes more sense for me to focus on acquisition roles. Are there major considerations here?

  • 1
  • Developer in RE - Comm
20h

I would re-think your position that going to one of the giant firms is the best way to minimize a pay cut. They tend to pay less for equivalent experience. I think your best bet is a more nimble firm that is a bit of a blend between a true developer and an entrepreneurial GP.

Learn More

300+ video lessons across 6 modeling courses taught by elite practitioners at the top investment banks and private equity funds -- Excel Modeling -- Financial Statement Modeling -- M&A Modeling -- LBO Modeling -- DCF and Valuation Modeling -- ALL INCLUDED + 2 Huge Bonuses.

Learn more
20h
jmonkey11 , what's your opinion? Comment below:

My concern is also that I don't have the experience to go to a smaller firm where they may want someone to hit the ground running. I assume that larger shops have a more structured training and mentorship program making it friendlier to those starting out. I could be wrong though. Regardless, I'm seeing that it makes sense to network with smaller firms too.

13h
jmonkey11 , what's your opinion? Comment below:

Sit esse iure libero veritatis. Consequatur sit quibusdam placeat consequatur. Ut dolor quisquam error. Modi quae officia culpa reprehenderit.

Dolorem debitis error fugit aut beatae eos quo qui. Explicabo sit quaerat voluptatem natus laudantium sint. Praesentium eum aut minima. Numquam sed nesciunt reprehenderit voluptatem qui in.

Start Discussion

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres ( + + ) 99.5%
  • Jefferies & Company ( ▽01 ) 99.1%
  • Financial Technology Partners ( = = ) 98.6%
  • Lincoln International ( ▽02 ) 98.2%
  • William Blair ( ▲10 ) 97.7%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • William Blair ( ▲04 ) 99.5%
  • Canaccord Genuity ( ▲18 ) 99.1%
  • Lincoln International ( ▲09 ) 98.6%
  • Stephens Inc ( ▲10 ) 98.1%
  • Jefferies & Company ( ▲05 ) 97.7%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • Financial Technology Partners ( ▲11 ) 99.5%
  • Lazard Freres ( ▲14 ) 99.1%
  • Lincoln International ( = = ) 98.6%
  • Jefferies & Company ( ▽03 ) 98.1%
  • William Blair ( ▲01 ) 97.7%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (6) $592
  • Vice President (26) $422
  • Associates (140) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (9) $194
  • 1st Year Analyst (260) $171
  • 2nd Year Analyst (84) $170
  • Intern/Summer Associate (43) $164
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (191) $92