What do you do if you want to transition into Corporate Real Estate but lack relevant experience?

1 Assess your skills

The first step is to evaluate your current skills and identify how they can transfer to CRE. For example, if you have a background in finance, accounting, or project management, you can leverage your analytical, budgeting, and problem-solving abilities to handle the financial aspects of CRE. If you have experience in sales, marketing, or customer service, you can use your communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills to deal with tenants, landlords, and vendors. Think about the tasks and projects you have completed in your previous roles and how they can demonstrate your value and potential as a CRE professional.

2 Learn the basics

The next step is to learn the basic concepts and terminology of CRE. You can do this by taking online courses, reading books and blogs, listening to podcasts, or watching videos on topics such as real estate valuation, market analysis, lease administration, asset management, and portfolio strategy. You can also join professional associations, such as the Corporate Real Estate Network (CoreNet) or the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), to access educational resources, events, and networking opportunities. By gaining some foundational knowledge of CRE, you can show your interest and commitment to the field and prepare yourself for future interviews and conversations.

3 Build your network

The third step is to build your network of contacts and mentors in the CRE industry. You can do this by attending webinars, workshops, conferences, or meetups related to CRE and introducing yourself to speakers, panelists, and attendees. You can also reach out to people on LinkedIn, Twitter, or other social media platforms and ask them for informational interviews, advice, or referrals. You can also leverage your existing network of friends, family, colleagues, or alumni and ask them if they know anyone who works in CRE or can introduce you to someone who does. By building your network, you can learn from the experiences and insights of others, discover new opportunities, and increase your visibility and credibility in the field.

4 Update your resume

The fourth step is to update your resume to highlight your relevant skills and achievements for CRE. You can do this by using keywords and phrases that match the job descriptions and requirements of the CRE positions you are interested in. You can also tailor your resume to showcase your transferable skills and how they have contributed to your previous employers' goals and outcomes. You can also include any certifications, courses, or memberships that demonstrate your knowledge and involvement in CRE. By updating your resume, you can make a strong first impression and showcase your qualifications and fit for the role.

5 Showcase your portfolio

The fifth step is to showcase your portfolio of work samples and projects that illustrate your skills and abilities for CRE. You can do this by creating a website, blog, or online portfolio platform where you can display your work and share your insights and opinions on CRE topics. You can also use social media, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram, to post your work and engage with your audience and peers. You can also create case studies, reports, or presentations that showcase your analysis, recommendations, or solutions for real or hypothetical CRE scenarios. By showcasing your portfolio, you can demonstrate your creativity, initiative, and value proposition for the role.

6 Apply and interview

The final step is to apply and interview for the CRE positions that match your skills, interests, and goals. You can do this by using online job boards, websites, or newsletters that specialize in CRE opportunities. You can also use your network to find out about openings, referrals, or recommendations. You can also reach out to recruiters, hiring managers, or decision-makers directly and express your interest and enthusiasm for the role. When you interview, you can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions and show how you have used your skills and knowledge to achieve results in the past. You can also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer to show your curiosity and eagerness to learn more about the role and the organization.

Transitioning into CRE without relevant experience can be challenging, but not impossible. By following these six steps, you can increase your chances of landing a CRE role and starting a new career path.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?