Looking to learn commercial real estate syndication

[Account Closed]

Hello everyone, 

I am looking to make a career change and become a commercial real estate broker in Chicago. (A good friend told me that I should go into commercial real estate and he would send his HNW clients (10+million to me). He wants me to learn to syndicate commercial real estate deals.   

What Is the best course of action in your opinion, get a CRE or a CCIM designation? or both? If so which first? Is an MBA necessary? What other qualifications do you think may be useful? What kind of company should I work in/for to get the right kind of experience? Would I need to create my own commercial real estate brokerage firm or real estate investment firm? What other advice would you give someone in my situation?

Thank you in advance for all your advice.