Entry-Level CRE Job Openings Drop, Setting Up Talent Squeeze

The commercial real estate (CRE) sector is facing a significant challenge as entry-level job openings continue to decline. Over the past two years, there has been a marked decrease in opportunities for young professionals seeking to enter the industry. This trend poses a substantial barrier for those aiming to gain the skills and experience necessary for advancement.


According to data from real estate job site SelectLeaders, listings for positions requiring zero to four years of experience have dropped by 26% year-over-year as of May. This follows a 35% decline between May 2022 and 2023. Such reductions are exacerbated by a weak commercial real estate market, where entry-level roles are often the first to be outsourced to artificial intelligence or overseas workers.


Andy Hunt, director of the real estate program at Marquette University, likens the situation to a “glass-half-empty version of the Goldilocks story,” where prolonged uncertainty stifles decision-making, impacting entry-level hiring more than other areas.


People having a meeting
Many firms have been more conservative when hiring for CRE roles, due to an industry slowdown.

The impact of this decline is uneven across the industry. While some sectors and regions, such as asset management in Florida or Texas, continue to offer opportunities, others, particularly transaction or financing roles in the Midwest, are experiencing hiring freezes. BGO Chief Economist Ryan Severino notes that several large CRE organizations have halted hiring altogether.


Collete English Dixon, executive director of the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate at Chicago’s Roosevelt University, emphasizes the importance of finding niches where students can excel, despite the broader hiring challenges.


Technology, especially AI, looms large over the hiring landscape. As AI’s capabilities expand, tasks traditionally handled by entry-level workers may increasingly fall to automation. English Dixon warns of the need to balance teaching fundamentals with preparing students for an AI-driven future.


Three women sitting beside table
Hiring trends have placed Gen Z applicants for CRE roles in a tough position.

The current hiring environment is particularly challenging for recent college graduates. At the University of Central Florida, only half of the 100 real estate graduates have secured positions through internships, while another 25 have job offers through other means. At Marquette University, about 60% of the recent class of 40 real estate students have jobs lined up, with many still searching.


RCLCO Management Consulting Practice Managing Director Ellen Klasson highlights the potential long-term impact of starting a career in a challenging environment, noting that the conditions at the beginning of one’s career can influence the entire trajectory.


For more insights on this topic, you can read the full article on Bisnow.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

How Your 2025 Salary Stacks Up Against America’s Fastest‑Growing Careers

New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals major pay gaps across industries as we head into 2025. While top roles in finance, tech, and healthcare exceed $130,000 to $160,000 a year, other professions lag far behind—even when education levels are similar. Job titles, location, experience, and specialized skills are now some of the biggest factors shaping how much you earn. If you’ve been wondering whether your paycheck is keeping up with the market, this breakdown shows exactly where you stand and what it takes to boost your earning power.

Homebuyer Remorse Drops as 2025 Market Gives Buyers More Time and Leverage

A cooling housing market is giving buyers something they haven’t had in years: room to breathe. With slower sales, more inventory, and less pressure to make snap decisions, homebuyer regret has noticeably declined in 2025. Buyers are feeling more confident thanks to fewer bidding wars, reduced overpaying, and stronger financial preparation—though maintenance surprises still pose challenges. This shift toward a true buyer’s market offers real estate professionals a prime opportunity to guide clients with clarity and confidence.

Weekly CRE Pulse: Shutdown Shockwaves, STEM City Surges, and Signs of Market Momentum

This week’s commercial real estate roundup unpacks the lingering economic fallout from the 43‑day federal shutdown, new pressures on major office markets, and the rise of STEM‑driven cities reshaping demand nationwide. With fresh Q3 data from Altus showing stronger‑than‑expected transaction momentum, plus updates on Chicago’s valuation slide and national mortgage policy debates, this edition delivers the essential trends CRE, mortgage, finance, and appraisal professionals need to stay ahead.

ATTOM Wins Inman’s 2025 Best of Proptech Award for Data and Intelligence Innovation

ATTOM has been named Inman’s 2025 Best of Proptech winner, earning top recognition for its leadership in data and intelligence platforms. With advancements like Snowflake integration, ATTOM Nexus, and enhanced parcel‑centric analytics, the company is shaping the future of AI‑driven real estate decision‑making. This win highlights ATTOM’s growing role as a trusted data backbone for real estate, mortgage, insurance, and investment professionals nationwide.

Florida’s Insurance Crisis: Why Premiums Keep Rising and What It Means for Homeowners

A new report reveals that Florida’s property insurance market is far from recovering. Despite political claims of stabilization, homeowners are seeing premiums up 54% since 2019, widespread insurer instability, and some companies re‑entering the market under rebranded identities. With high rates of unpaid claims, delayed payouts, and policy non‑renewals, lawmakers are now pushing for transparency and oversight. For homeowners and industry professionals alike, understanding these risks is critical as Florida’s insurance challenges continue to deepen.

Florida’s Insurance “Recovery” Isn’t Reaching Homeowners

Despite new insurers entering the state and lawmakers touting market improvements, a new report reveals Florida’s property insurance system is still plagued by high premiums, weak oversight, and companies with troubled histories. Rates have climbed 54% since 2019, nearly one‑fifth of homeowners are now uninsured, and Florida leads the nation in unpaid and delayed claims. Critics warn that the state’s strategy of shifting risk to undercapitalized private companies may set the stage for another crisis — leaving homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals navigating a market that’s far from stable.