Career Center

Industry Associations

You may be asking yourself: “How will joining a professional association affect my career?” Almost every profession has some kind of professional organization behind it which enforces a code of ethics for practitioners and provides opportunities for continuing education and networking in the field. Most give professional certifications and designations that are a supplement to and sometimes necessary for a successful career.

According to one national poll, 86% of hiring managers surveyed cited involvement in trade or industry associations as beneficial to an employee’s career.

The benefits of belonging to an industry-leading association are limitless. Associations play a critical role in establishing best practices and ethical standards, offering education and knowledge transfer, and creating forums for networking and idea exchange. Indeed, it is through membership associations that many business contacts and deals are made. This is especially true of associations that have vibrant chapter organizations on the local or state level.

Associations whose memberships include real estate managers are:

  • Institute of Real Estate Management - IREM
  • Building Owners and Managers Association - BOMA
  • Community Association Institute - CAI
  • International Council of Shopping Centers - ICSC
  • National Apartment Association – NAA


IREM

The Institute of Real Estate Management is the only association devoted exclusively to the profession of real estate management across all property types – residential and commercial – and for all types of property owners and employers. Not only does the organization offer numerous benefits at a national level; its 80 chapters in the US and 10 international chapters provide opportunities for education on local issues as well as excellent networking. IREM offers a number of membership options based on career stages. Of special note to those considering or just beginning a career in real estate management are: