Preparation

Essentials

• A targeted resume, cover letter and networking strategy: Your research will allow you to present your relevant skills and experience in language of real estate, which is especially important if you are a career switcher. The more feedback you receive on your resume and cover letter from career advisors, peer advisors, classmates and alumni with industry experience, the stronger your applications will be. Participating in Consulting Day, on-campus employer events, and scheduling coffee chats with alumni and practitioners at your target firms will provide the foundation for your networking strategy.

• Look at examples of job descriptions that interest you and familiarize yourself with the specific skillsets, strengths and competencies that are in demand for the roles you seek.

• Prepare accordingly: For real estate investment banking, it is critical to be prepared for traditional investment banking interviews as well as the traditional investment banking recruiting schedule, which begins well before most other areas of real estate recruiting. Please visit the Financial Services industry overview for the standard preparation timeline.

• Private equity real estate is one of the highest-degree-of-difficulty paths. It is highly competitive, offers few entry-level spots, and generally requires significant prior experience in finance. Internships with smaller firms are often unpaid and do not always lead to full-time offers.

• Networking to deepen knowledge of a target firm, build relationships and demonstrate your strengths as a candidate is required to attain an internship or full-time position. Many firms know who they want to interview before the resume drop even occurs.