RE Developers
How would a newbie go about finding a job for a real estate developer. Let's say I wanted to learn all the in's and out's in developing from an experienced developer, do I just call random developers in my area and offer to work for them? How do I get to work for one of these guys w/out any prior experience but still be of use to them. I'd really like to learn exactly how they handle deals. Construction would also be something i'd like to get into. If anybody knows how to get into either of these fields, please help.
hardtime,
good questions. It is not an easy field to break into and it often takes a long time. Do you have any development or construction background at all? It is often the case that developers start out in home construction and move up. The other good developers I know, including myself, started in the field at the home construction level (low guy on the totum pole), moved up to construction manager, then into development field work, then into the "big picture" arena of pulling projects together, etc. There is not a good way to instantaneoulsy become a developer as it takes lots of time, experience, errors, etc. etc. To know what you are really doing can easily take 5-6 years of hard work and learning as you go. Once there though, it is very rewarding and fun, albiet nerve wracking at times and always stressful on some level or another. It is great to pull a project together and see it all come together though.
I would suggest starting with a smaller company that may offer more move up ability in regards to job options. Excellent interpersonal and critical thinking skills are an absolute must, as well as being able to think on your feet and deal with constant change.
HEY HARDTIME
ARE YOU INTRESTED IN NEW CONSTRUCTION WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING TO DO TAG ALONG, ACTUALLY WORK AND GET FIELD EXPER, TAKE NOTES ??????
(this post will remain, but leave off the caps next time...thanks....NC)[ Edited by NC_Yank on Date 07/07/2004 ]
sorry nyreinvestor, I want to actually work and get field experience as well as learn how to do all the paperwork/zoning guidelines involved in structuring a deal
I still can't get a job w/a developer.
The route I took was getting my Bachelor's degree in urban geography w/a minor in planning.
Then, worked as a planner and zoning administrator for the next 7 years.
Job duties included writing land use plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision review, etc.
Key thing was networking w/developers and other "players" during this time.
Like I said, still haven't found a development job.
I say screw it, with the knowledge and contacts I gained...I'm doing my own thing.
That said, maybe getting a realtor's license???
Many developers are also realtors/brokers or home builders.
Trying getting in through one of those channels maybe???
Whatever knowledge you gain will most likely be applicable to developing.
Its such an "ecclectic" area to be in because it involves aspects of zoning, planning, marketing, engineering, etc.
Good luck.
Don
One further thought....
The stakes are extremely high in development work and most developers are hesitant to turn multi-million dollar projects to new people...just like a bank would not turn their bank over to me to run- I'd drive it into the ground! 
Going to a developer and telling him you want him to be a developer is somewhat like walking into a bank and telling them that you want them to teach you to be the president of the bank. It is not likely that a lot of banks will take you up on that offer. I don't want to sound discouraging but reality is that to be a developer takes years and years of expierience, just as it would be to be the CEO or president of a profitable and well organized company.
If you want to work as a field assistant and tell them that you really have a desire to work in the real estate field you would have a chance. As a good friend of mine lamented after an interview he had with an applicant he told me the guy applying for the job would not even know what a mud puddle was if he stepped in it.
One question I have for you, or anyone wanting to be a developer is this: Why?
Why do you want to be a developer? Tell us that and we can help steer you in a good direction to put the right angle on your interviews with developers. I am sure a great solution is out there for you but why do you want to do development work?
"Why do you want to be a developer?"
Great question, woodsong. Very relevant. I would just add a question:
by "developing" do you mean building on a property or do you mean changing the property in some other way?
I ask that question because it seems that people tend to think that "developer" and "builder" are the same and they're not.
So I decided one day I was tired of being a project manager for somebody else and wanted to be a developer myself. Went down to the local print shop and ordered stationary and biz cards printed up. Came home and announced to the then-wife that I was a developer. "You can't just declare yourself to be a developer" she said. 20+ years later I guess you can.
"This ain't brain surgery" as one guy I worked with pointed out. "You can pretty much pick it up as you go along and odds are nobody will end up dead."
You wanna be a developer-- go put a deal together.
Woodsong's "Why?" is a great question. Its a stressful, anoying business increasingly full of lawsuits and bureacrats. Unless you have some great joy from what Lucius calls "playing in the dirt" I question whether its worth it or not. On the other hand I love to play in the dirt. Redeploying an obsolete building gives me pleasure. And the freedom to structure my days as I wish (as long as I get out of here for my 9:00 appointment) is worth a great deal to me.
I agree with commercial. It's the deal junkie's who are found in the development arena. I am just getting my start as a developer after a few successful years as an investor. I too love to see old structures, such as warehouses, schools and churches put to new use. To me, there is nothing more satisfying. I guess it's just the iconoclasticity in me!