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The Best Way to Fast-Track Your Career in CRE?

Introducing a new resource from our organization, The BOMA Oakland/East Bay Buzz. Every quarter, we pose questions to our members—questions we've heard you ask, questions we're asking ourselves, even— and have them answer. Who better to answer your industry or BOMA-related questions than your peers? Read on for Cushman & Wakefield's Diana Rivers on how best one can fast-track career advancement in this industry.
Question: Given the current employment demand in our local commercial real estate market and the undersized pool of qualified industry professionals in the Bay Area, what are some of the best ways for local industry professionals to fast-track their career advancement to become a leader in the industry?
 
Diana River's Answer: It is no secret that finding good, qualified candidates is a challenge for hiring managers today. Often times young professionals are hired into roles they aren't prepared for which proves challenging to everyone involved.  Hiring managers are becoming more and more careful about this predicament and positions are sitting vacant longer than they once were to avoid the headache of a bad hire.  As we sift through hundreds of resumes we tend to look for candidates who can demonstrate a solid commitment to our industry and their own career in property management. There are three specific ways you can show that commitment to any employer:
  • Earn a professional designation such as an RPA. Tip: BOMI makes it easier than ever by offering classes on-line.
  • Obtain a real estate sales license even if the position you are seeking does not require one
  • Stay current with new trends in our industry. Tip: check out the BOMA East Bay events calendar each month for workshops, focus groups, conferences etc.
It takes time, patience and money to work towards obtaining these goals. It means spending Saturdays studying and saving your money for classes.  It means reading articles about subjects you may not understand. It means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and putting aside other things in your life of equal importance. The good news is that hiring managers understand this sacrifice. Your commitment speaks loudly and will ultimately propel you to your next level. 
 

Diana Rivers, CPM, LEED AP O+M
Diana serves as Associate Director with Cushman & Wakefield and has over 20 years of experience in property management. Prior to joining Cushman & Wakefield, Diana was Vice President at Transwestern. Prior to that she was a senior property manager with CBRE in Phoenix for almost 10 years. Diana has a Bachelor of Arts and Science from Westfield University (Westfield MA) and is an active member of BOMA Oakland/East Bay.
 

Comments

 
By: Ryan Rusler
On: 04/09/2019 23:05:43
Staying with new trends in the industry is a great point that we all can aspire to do. That is how we can look better to our tenants and clients. Great article.

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