Transitioning to US Commercial PM: Why is the market ghosting a candidate with a US Degree + 3 years of Class-A international experience?
Hi r/PropertyManagement,
I’m seeking some market insights on how to break into the US commercial real estate market (specifically looking at the Boston/NYC/LA area).
I feel like I have a unique profile, but my resume is getting completely ghosted. I hold a Master of Regional Planning / Real Estate degree from a top US university, and prior to my studies, I gained 3 years of intensive experience with a premier commercial developer overseas, moving from a Management Trainee to a Senior Property Management Associate.
My background is exclusively with Grade-A commercial complexes, dealing with high-end luxury retail operations and corporate tenants (global consulting/tech firms). I’ve managed major CapEx projects, handled complex MEP relocations, and delivered the highest standard of hospitality and tenant relations that luxury retail demands.
I understand that property management is hyper-local (codes, vendor networks, landlord-tenant laws), which is part of the reason I got my Master's here—to understand the US planning and built environment. But it seems recruiters only look at US work history.
For those who hire in the US commercial market:
- Does having a US Master's degree help offset the lack of local US property management work experience, or do hiring managers not care about degrees in this field?
- How can I pitch my asset optimization and premium tenant retention skills so they don't just get dismissed as "foreign experience"?
- Are there specific types of firms (maybe global brokerages like JLL/CBRE or luxury-focused developers) that would value this blend of US education and international luxury retail PM background?
Appreciate any insights or tough love you can throw my way. Thanks!