Episode 64

Property management education is changing. More and more schools are offering dedicated programs specific to the property management industry. We sat down with two recent University of Georgia graduates to pick their brains on their education experience and how it helped them choose their career paths.

Host(s): Jonathan Saar from Market Me Social and Mark Howell from Howl Creative Concepts

Show Highlights

We are so happy that Anna and Dammian agreed to join us and share their incredible experiences. They shared how they started on their education paths and the defining moments that solidified their career choices. If you are considering a career in property management, their insights will give you a high-level overview of how to get started and what to expect.

Key Questions/Topics Covered

Changing Education Lanes

Both Anna and Dammian started out on very different education paths. For Dammian, he was initially interested in going into the medical field, while Anna was focused on agricultural business. Both found that something was missing. They struggled with their studies and did not find much enjoyment in what they were learning.

Dammian’s introduction to property management actually happened while working at a hotel. He was intrigued by a visitor that stayed with them every month with the bill being covered by the gentleman’s company. Liking the sounds of traveling while getting paid, he inquired, and the gentleman explained what he did and encouraged him to apply for a summer internship in student housing. He did and knew he had found the right fit and adjusted his studies to focus on the property management business.

Anna was already studying business but knew she needed a focus. Coming from a family with experience in property management, she thought she would give a class a try. She attended a class led by Professor Sherle Brown on housing management and policy and knew she was hooked. She had found her major.

Building Confidence in Your Career Choice

Both Anna and Dammian expressed how the in-depth curriculum and their instructors were integral to building confidence. For Anna, the curriculum touching on so many facets of the property management industry gave her the confidence to move forward and begin building experience to match what she had learned. For Dammian, getting involved with IREM helped him build a solid foundation through networking and getting to know property management professionals from across the country.

Property Management Education Highlights

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! Well, at least some things do. Thankfully for Dammian, his experience at The Global Summit will be something that stays with him forever. He had the privilege to attend as the 2021 Student Scholar for the University of Georgia, and he didn’t know what to expect. He was amazed when he was welcomed with open arms by industry professionals ready and willing to answer his many questions. The amount of networking and knowledge sharing that happened at this event truly solidified his career path.