Associate, Real Estate Debt

As an Associate at Apollo in the Real Estate Debt team, you will be responsible for driving analytical and project support for various investment activities, including constructing financial models and conducting market due diligence. You’ll actively participate in deal closings and collaborate with external partners throughout transactions, making the role both dynamic and impactful.

To apply for the Associate position in Apollo's Commercial Real Estate Debt team, candidates typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Mathematics, or related fields, with 1-2 years of relevant experience in areas like real estate investment banking, commercial lending, or brokerage. Strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and attention to detail are also essential.

Apollo is committed to fostering talent and encourages Associates within the Real Estate Debt team to leverage the firm’s integrated platform and resources. You’ll gain exposure to significant financial transactions, participate in strategic discussions, and develop valuable skills through diverse project experiences, all of which play a crucial role in your professional advancement.

In the Associate role at Apollo, you will participate in deal sourcing, evaluation, asset management, and conducting due diligence on various properties. This engagement will include financial modeling, negotiations, and ongoing monitoring of investments, providing a comprehensive insight into the investment lifecycle.

The pay range for the Associate position at Apollo's Commercial Real Estate Debt team is between $175,000 and $200,000, depending on experience. Additionally, the role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus based on personal and team performance.

When discussing your experience in real estate investment banking, focus on specific deals you worked on, detailing your role and contributions. Highlight key analytical skills used in financial modeling and market assessments, and discuss any successful outcomes that illustrate your capacity to add value in this area.

In response to this question, share your knowledge of various financial modeling techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, sensitivity analysis, and comparable company analysis. Provide examples of how you applied these models in past roles to support investment decisions, showcasing your analytical acumen.

When addressing risk assessment, illustrate your systematic approach to identifying potential risks in real estate transactions. Discuss your methodology for analyzing risk factors and highlight tools or frameworks you utilize to mitigate these risks, demonstrating your strategic thinking capabilities.

Discuss your strategies for conducting comprehensive market due diligence by outlining steps such as analyzing market trends, reviewing property performance metrics, and assessing competitive landscape. Mention any tools or databases you rely on for accurate data to support your decision-making process.

While answering this question, select a specific deal example where you played a pivotal role. Explain your responsibilities, the challenges faced, and how your contributions led to successful outcomes. This highlights your practical experience and ability to drive results.

Emphasize your strong communication skills and provide a strategy for managing relationships with external partners such as brokers, attorneys, and investors. Discuss the importance of clear, timely updates and addressing concerns to foster strong working relationships during transactions.

Share your structured approach to preparing investment committee memoranda, including the key components you include such as investment rationale, market analysis, and financial projections. Highlight your attention to detail and how you ensure the memos are both informative and succinct.

Mention the specific tools or software you are proficient in, such as Excel for financial modeling or Argus for property valuation. Provide examples of how you have used these tools effectively in previous roles to streamline analysis and reporting processes.

Describe your time management strategies and techniques for prioritizing tasks effectively when faced with tight deadlines. Share examples that showcase your ability to maintain quality work while working under pressure, demonstrating your resilience and adaptability.

In your response, highlight Apollo's extensive experience and significant capital deployment in the market. Discuss the firm's reputation for innovation, strong team collaboration, and commitment to delivering value for investors, which collectively distinguish it from its competitors.