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Author	Message
11/13/2008 09:16:17	Subject: Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Jordan Pester Joined: 11/05/2008 11:14:44 Messages: 5 Offline	Chris, hoping to get some insight to starting a career in property management, asks: I am a couple years out of high school and aspiring to enter the property management field. I'm clueless as to what the first steps should be. I have experience managing one rental property (single family home), but I do not have a bachelor's degree or employment experience. Thus, the firms I have applied to do not even look my way. Should I just keep sending resumes, hoping to land an assistant manager or leasing consultant position? Or should I turn my focus back to school and get my bachelor's degree? Should I start by completing the CPM coursework? As you can see, I'm as clueless as it gets, so any professional wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

11/13/2008 09:48:03	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Jordan Pester Joined: 11/05/2008 11:14:44 Messages: 5 Offline	As a follow up to Chris' question, Jess asks: In a few weeks, I'll be graduating with a degree in management. I think I would like to get into property management. What is the best way to get into the industry and get my foot in the door with a company? I will have a management degree and I have years of work experience. Thanks!

11/14/2008 13:01:45	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Jeffrey Laass Joined: 09/29/2008 08:49:58 Messages: 73 Offline	It will depend on what type of property you want to manage as far as what is the norm for education and experience. In hiring commercial property managers I look for a bachelor's degree, attitude & customer service, and then direct or relevant experience. While a bachelor's degree doesn't directly mean you'll be more successful than someone without the degree, it does show a degree of commitment and fortitude inc completing the course of study. I've hired some successful managers that did not have direct experience in property management, but their customer service skills and other experience transferred to property management. A training period initially months long, but on a continual basis, along with not dumping a large portfolio on someone and cutting them loose sets everyone up for success. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Jeff

11/18/2008 17:11:05	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Jesse Holland Joined: 10/28/2008 19:54:22 Messages: 38 Offline	never forget that this business is about people and dealing with them. In a front line/entry position you will deal with people most of your day. What special skills or experiences can you bring.

11/19/2008 20:55:35	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Lori Burger Joined: 09/15/2008 19:57:58 Messages: 75 Offline	Jordan, There's an old saying...I can't remember exactly how it goes, something about..the importance of showing up or being at the right place at the right time. I believe there is something to be said about that. You need to network, find a local IREM Chapter and get involved. Serve on a committee and get to know individuals that are doing what you want to do. I know a person who stood up at a meeting and said, "I need a job". She landed a great job that day. Of course it won't always be like that. Don't be shy about it. IREM is a great opportunty for you to meet professionals and grow in your career. I can't say enough about my CPM desigation and how it has professionally been my career partner throughout my life. Good luck and I hope I will see you in Washington in April.

12/31/2008 14:18:16	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Natalie Brecher Joined: 09/28/2008 16:32:27 Messages: 7 Location: Redondo Beach, California Offline	See my response to the "Questions about a Career in Property Management" in the Community Forum from 11/20/08. I hope it will answer some of your questions too. http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/list/119.page And best wishes - it's a great profession! Natalie

01/16/2009 15:45:36	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Paul Dumouchel Joined: 01/16/2009 15:39:38 Messages: 14 Offline	My advice in getting the proverbial foot in the door would be to join a professional association. IREM or the National Apartment Association are terrific ways to network and build relationships. I am "middle aged"...so i admit i have a different perspective....but my advice would be to begin small. Even if it's a part time leasing consultant. Get the experience...volunteer to work a ton of hours and remain positive. Designations are also key....get your ARM right away. It will show everyone you are serious.

01/29/2009 12:28:25	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Allan Watkins Joined: 01/05/2009 12:51:20 Messages: 35 Offline	I have a degree as a Systems Maintenance Administrator, BS in Business Admin, and 6 credits shy of obtaining my Masters in Management. Getting out of the operations engineering world into property management was no easy step. If I could offer advice it would be this: Be aggresive and stand your ground to show that this is really what you want to do for a career. Join IREM even if it is a student or associate member. I have found that I may not have had as much resistance had I known about IREM and joined. The networking and friends you will make will literally last a life time. Maintain your credentials by obtaining the necessary CEU's. It shows you as a positive person willing to keep your commitment. Obtain a real estate license Finally, be ready to accept the challenges with a positive attitude and never accept a "NO" as a defeat.

02/21/2009 18:10:06	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Marjean Pountain Joined: 09/26/2008 09:25:38 Messages: 61 Offline	It's all about timing, and who you know. Pick out the top two or three properties or companies you would most like to work at. Study their websites and learn all you can about them. Shop the properties, and prepare a report of your observations, and use some of that information, either good or bad, in a positive manner, to get your foot in the door to talk to the people in charge. See who you can connect with on facebook or linkedin websites or such locally that might give you ability to communicate as to your career goals and aspirations. And most of all, keep that positive attitude!

03/26/2009 17:43:53	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Christopher Mellen Joined: 09/16/2008 11:19:56 Messages: 46 Offline	Get your Real Estate License and start in leasing. This is always a good way to break into Property Management as it gives you a solid foundation in the basics. Also, network at your local IREM Chapter Meetings as many entry level jobs are not publicized. Finally, check out your local Colleges as many are offering Real Estate and Property Management Courses. This is a great lead in to the College Job Placement Office as many companies use this source for recruitment.

03/30/2009 11:03:58	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Julie Muir Joined: 11/18/2008 13:12:11 Messages: 4 Offline	Getting started in property management can be tough. In order to get your feet wet and get the experience you might need on a smaller scale (if you don't have experience, you can't get hired to get the experience, thus you're inexperienced) - keep your current job and find ways to get experience while still earning a paycheck. This could mean being an assistant manager at a small apartment community - great OJT training. Get some maintenance experience by going to free classes at Home Depot (learn to caulk a bathtub, install a toilet, etc. etc.). Take an accounting or speech class at your local community college. Ask to "spend a day" with the leasing agents and/or maintenance staff. Ask to observe your apt manager for a day. See if you can review a management report/leasing report, etc. from your apartment manager. If you are interested in commercial...see if you can intern at a local property management company - just to be present while they conduct their day to day business. Most of these things can be done for free, except for a little bit of your time. You are getting experience by association and observing...and, you are getting your name out there. Finally, a way to fast track your experience would be to sign up for IREM education. All you need to know about property management can be gained through IREM courses. With these tools under your belt, you are well on your way to filling up that resume with knowledge and finding your career in property management.

04/16/2009 00:54:38	Subject: Re:Getting started on a career in property management	[Up]
Diane Rice Joined: 04/05/2009 20:56:27 Messages: 27 Offline	The most IMPORTANT thing in property management is to know IF you have a knack for it. It is not just a regular career even with training and experience. Whatever level you take in PM you're gong to have a rude awakening.... this is a challenging business and i enjoy it but.... is it for you? Take it on only if you have a passion for dealing with plenty of personalities, and as others have suggested, please try it out first as an apprentice!

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