Soon to be finance graduate seeking real estate career advice

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Hello,

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?

Thanks for reading,

Kurt Geller