Considering a Career Shift: From Auditing to Real Estate Finance

Hello, Readers!

I hope this message finds you well. Today, I would like to share a thought that has been on my mind regarding a significant career transition. For the past five and a half years, I have been working as an auditor in London—initially with one of the Big Four firms and now with a smaller company. Unfortunately, my experience in this role has been largely negative, leaving me feeling unfulfilled.

As I approach seven years in the field, I find myself at a crossroads. The current job market has made it challenging for me to explore opportunities beyond accounting, and despite having attended reputable universities, I’ve been limited by some past mental health struggles that initially hindered my career options.

Recently, I discovered a newfound passion for real estate finance after completing a financial modeling course on real estate investments, which I thoroughly enjoyed—far more than my auditing responsibilities. Furthermore, I am currently pursuing the CFA designation, having successfully passed Level 1 and hoping to progress to Level 2 in the next year and a half.

This brings me to my latest idea: enrolling in an MSc program in Real Estate at either Cambridge or Henley Business School. My goal is to pivot into a front-office role within Real Estate Private Equity (REPE) or secure a position at a firm such as Savills or JLL. However, I have some concerns. First, funding this degree would significantly deplete my savings, potentially leaving me financially vulnerable upon graduation at age 32. Second, I worry that I may be perceived as too old for entry-level analyst positions.

While I recognize that a career in accounting can offer decent financial returns over time, the thought of continuing in this monotonous role is exhausting, impacting my well-being and sleep. A career in real estate seems not only promising but also intriguing, with the potential for greater satisfaction and an attractive salary in the range of £150-200k.

This journey is daunting, especially since I don’t personally know anyone who has made a similar leap. I would love to hear your perspectives and advice on this potential career change. If you’re interested in reviewing my CV or have any insights to share, feel free to reach out!

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your thoughts!