Recent college grad. looking to get into Commercial Real Estate

[DFackler4]

Hi everyone,

I'm a recent graduate of the University of Georgia who moved to the Charlotte, NC area. I have a close college roommate who landed a job with a commercial real estate firm in Atlanta and while I've always considered getting into the Real Estate industry, after talking with him I think it'd be something I'd really like to persue. His dad and uncle are both well connected and were very influential in helping him get his initial interview.

I am not well-connected, in fact I moved up here with my girlfriend and we don't know anyone. My former roommate suggested checking out CB Richard Ellis and after looking around their website I'd love to get on with a company of this calibur. Problem is all the open positions I found available require a boatload of experience.

I guess I'm wondering about what the best options are as far as breaking into this industry. I got my degree in Consumer Economics - big emphasis on economics, housing, real estate, consumer behavior etc. Would it be best to try to get an internship? Ive also thought about getting a job in the mortgage/lending industry thinking that would be beneficial in getting a foot in the door in a few years. Ive had some decent job offers but am looking for something that will give me the experience that will benefit me down the road.

Also - if anyone happens to know any information about the Charlotte market that would be great.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

David Fackler

[Merkaba]

Had thought about commercial too. I'm newly licensed going for residential. I wish you well

[tripper]

I am wondering the same as you. I too have seen a number of Comm. RE jobs that require a strong background in Finance, Accounting or even am MBA which I have none of. I am in Los Angeles. I too have a friend In a large Comm. RE co. that I have begun asking questions of. He is in Acquisitions. The Res. RE path was tough to get into 3 yrs. ago for a newbie with little contacts. Now would seem even tougher. Then I looked to the Mortgage industry but that seemed to be a "turn them and burn them" field (them being the employee). With large layoffs in the Mortgage industry her in CA. that road has closed for me. After pondering my situation it seems Comm. RE has somewhat of a safety net with different levels to potentially fit into. Nice to have made acquaintances with you and good luck with your pursuits.

Tripper

[Someone]

I'm trying to tap into the RE Market as well. I've spoken to a broker and a local RE Agent here, but I've gotten nothing but e-mail correspondences and voice messages from the local RE Agent here. I've also contacted the realtor that was assigned to the house of interest, but I've yet to receive a response from him. I don't know, I could be wrong, but it just seems to me that they would rather be pre-occupied with making the bookoo bucks of commission off $$$ dollar houses than my little measly offer. :(