How to start a Commercial Real Estate Career in Ontario

[Salvatore Esposito]

Hi everyone! I am looking to start a career in Commercial Real Estate in Ontario, and I was hoping to get as much insight as possible to avoid any mistakes or delays in choosing my next steps. I have been researching online, only to find myself slightly more confused. I would truly appreciate it if anyone could help me with these questions: 

1. My goal is to analyze and handle as many Commercial Real Estate deals as possible while continuing to learn and potentially grow within a company. What would be the most expedient way to achieve this? Commercial Real Estate Agent or Analyst? Additionally, do companies tend to first test your skills through residential deals, or can someone get directly into Commercial deals? 

2. EDUCATION: I see that the two main institutions providing training/credentials in Ontario (excluding RECO) for real estate professionals are the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and Humber College. Which of the two is best? ( I currently hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Commerce, with a Marketing major)

3. Do you advise specializing in one type of commercial real estate asset class? Such as industrial or retail? Or is it perhaps too soon to even think about that? 

4. As a commercial Real Estate professional, what do you think is the most valuable lesson you have learned throughout your career that a newbie like myself should know? 

Question 4 is perhaps a little too personal, so please do feel free to skip it. 

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, 

Thank you in advance, and stay safe!