Real Estate Career Pathways
Real estate is one of the largest industries in the world. It is a multi-disciplinary profession that coordinates architecture, construction, law, finance, marketing, property management, and urban dynamics. Real estate professionals navigate the complexities of the real estate market, understand property valuation, and manage real estate investments. The profession offers a variety of options in business, across residential, commercial, and corporate real estate. Careers exist in the real estate industry, within corporations across various industries, and in the public sector.
Below are some possible career areas for Real Estate majors, including possible job titles, types of employers that hire for those roles, and strategies to help you launch your career.
Common Career Paths
- Residential Real Estate Agent
- Commercial Real Estate Agent
- Commercial Leasing Agent
- Office, Industrial, and Retail Broker
- Farm and Land Broker
Employers
- Residential Brokerages
- Real Estate Firms
- Commercial Brokerages
- Real Estate Investment Firms
- Commercial Property Management Companies
- Land Brokerage Firms
- Agricultural Real Estate Companies
- Builders (New Home Sales)
Common Career Paths
- Property Manager
- Leasing Consultant
- Facilities Manager
Employers
- Property Management Companies – Commercial and Residential
- Apartment and Condominium Complexes
- Commercial Property Firms
- Leasing Offices
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
- Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs)
Common Career Paths
- Real Estate Developer
- Project Manager
- Construction Manager
Employers
- Real Estate Development Firms
- Construction Companies
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
- Home Builders
Common Career Paths
- Real Estate Appraiser
- Valuation Analyst
Employers
- Appraisal Companies
- Banks
- Government Agencies
- Real Estate Investment Firms
Common Career Paths
- Real Estate Investment Analyst
- Asset Manager
- Portfolio Manager
Employers
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
- Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs)
- Private Equity Firms
- Investment Banks
Common Career Paths
- Corporate Real Estate Manager
- Lease Administrator
- Real Estate Analyst
Employers
- Larger Corporations (Real Estate Departments)
- Retailers
- Financial Institutions
- RealTech Firms (Real Estate Technology)
Common Career Paths
- Mortgage Loan Officer
- Underwriter
- Real Estate Financial Analyst
- Processor
Employers
- Banks
- Mortgage Companies
- Financial Institutions
Common Career Paths
- Urban Planner
- Zoning Specialist
- Community Development Manager
Employers
- Government Agencies
- City and County Planning Departments
- Non-profit Organizations (Housing Organizations)
Common Career Paths
- Real Estate Lawyer
- Marketing and Photography
- Real Estate Accounting
- Title Sales
- Escrow Officer
- Transaction Coordinator
Employers
- Law Firms and Individual Real Estate Brokers
- Photography Firms
- Property Management Companies
- Residential and Commercial Firms
- Title Companies
General Strategies:
- Gain experience through internships or part-time jobs in real estate firms, property management, or related areas.
- Pursue certifications such as the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), Accredited Residential Manager (ARM), or Real Property Administrator (RPA) to enhance expertise and marketability.
- Develop strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills essential for success in real estate.
- Build a professional network through industry associations such as the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the National Association of Realtors (NAR), NAIOP (National Association for Industrial and Office Parks) for commercial real estate, CREW (Women in Commercial Real Estate), and more.
- If you want to be in sales, research the process of becoming a real estate broker. Every state requires a combination of real estate courses, passing an exam, and other criteria to gain a license.
- If you want to go into the banking side of real estate, research the Mortgage Loan Originator requirements.
- If you want to go into appraisal, research the Appraiser Licensing requirements in your state.
- Obtain experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions.
- Develop an entrepreneurial spirit as nearly 90% of brokers and agents are self-employed.
- Be willing to work evenings and weekends to accommodate clients’ or company schedules.
- Reach out to alumni/people in your field of interest for an informational interview or shadow experience.