Starting a career in property management can be overwhelming. The industry offers a broad variety of work options that you may have trouble deciding where to begin. Follow these guidelines for creating the career you want in property management.

Create a Plan

Find out what types of jobs and promotions are available in property management to map out your career.

Onsite Jobs

• Property manager, assistant property manager, maintenance technician, maintenance supervisor, leasing professional, leasing manager.

Corporate or Support Positions

• Director of IT, regional manager, regional vice president and chief executive officer

Finance

• Accounting payables specialist, accounting manager, asset manager, senior asset manager and chief financial officer.

Human Resources

• HR generalist, benefits specialists and director of HR

You may be able to get promoted within or between categories. For example, a property manager may be promoted to regional manager. The more onsite experience you gain, the greater your chances for a promotion.

Determine Your Skills

Identify your skills and map the career in property management that best fits your interests. For example, you should understand building maintenance and be able to complete basic repairs. Although you don’t need to perform all of the maintenance yourself, it’s important you have hands-on experience supervising contractors and other skilled professionals. You’ll be better equipped for hiring the right contractors and ensuring the top-quality work. Also, you should have a basic understanding of property inspection. You may be responsible for determining maintenance requirements to ensure the safety of your residents. In addition, if you have experience in finance, you may be responsible for financial calculations and maintaining cash flow.

Continue Your Education

By continually educating yourself on property management, you stay current in the industry and engage in best practices for everyone’s benefit. For example, you remain updated on Fair Housing laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Federal Fair Housing Amendment Act. You avoid discriminatory actions in advertising and renting and remain compliant with all local, state and federal building codes and regulations.  At NPM Staffing, we providing continuing education to all of our associates because we want them to stay current with the latest trends and news in the property management industry.

Learn from Others

Through networking on and off the job with supervisors, subordinates, vendors, customers and competitors, you gain additional information that can help advance your career. Ask your supervisor to help you develop a career plan and create tasks, projects and benchmarks to demonstrate your success in working toward promotions. Develop professional relationships with key decision-makers in the company and industry so you know when higher-level jobs become available. Attend property management conferences, conventions and tradeshows. Always look for ways to advance either within the company or with a competitor to keep the positive momentum in your career.

Follow these tips for getting the career you want in property management. Gain help securing your next position by contacting NPM Staffing today.