My name is Kurt Geller and I'm currently a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Finance program due to graduate in May. Through my time in undergrad, I have attempted to involve and educate myself as much as possible in the real estate industry. My Junior year I launched the UNCW Real Estate Investment Club on campus, and this is a registered organization. I have gained experience working with local investors and contractors in acquisitions and project management roles. I have also furthered my involvement through mentorships, shadowing and networking with real estate professionals, reading, listening and watching what is happening in the industry.

I'm drawn towards a career in real estate, particularly the investment or development side. I enjoy quantitative analysis, researching, and reporting. Personally, I am working towards constructing my own rental portfolio. These interests are a function of my fundamental finance education, my passion for and previous involvement with real estate investment, and my personal nature.

I have a few questions that I have been asking professionals in my personal network, but I would greatly value input from the professionals of the Biggerpockets community.

1) As I have approached the end of my undergraduate studies, I have further considered attending school for an additional 5th year to obtain my MS Finance degree. Based on the career area I would like to be involved with, would this be a beneficial move career-wise?

2) I have also been considering further education through the form of certification, more specifically - the Chartered Financial Analyst program. Would striving towards this charter enhance the potential value I could add to a real estate investment firm or developer?

3) Do you have any advice given what I've shared, other considerations, or general insight?

Soon to be finance graduate seeking real estate career advice

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