How to Switch Careers and Make a Transition to Real Estate

So you want to change careers and make a smooth transition to real estate? Well, that is no cakewalk.  Switching careers has never been easy. In fact, it presents lots of unique challenges. However, if you approach the process in the right manner, you will be able to accomplish your goal.

The Challenge

If you hail from an unconventional work background and lack any experience in the real estate industry, making a transition into this field can be quite a challenge.

To get experience, you will have to compete with fresh graduates for entry level jobs and internships. You may be willing to accept a lower salary; some of you might be even willing to work for free; however, employers will still prefer fresh graduates because they feel that they will be able to mold young talent better. If you find yourself in such a situation, what you should do?

One option is to enroll in a real estate degree program. These programs provide a great opportunity to network and learn useful skills. In addition, they impress potential employers. But what if you can't afford to spend 18 long months and $100K to master real estate business? Well, in this case, the way you approach the job hunting process will determine the outcome.

The approach

In most cases, your lack of experience or the competitive job market is not the main problem you face. The problem is the faulty job-hunting methods you employ.

Here's what you need to do to get a foothold in the real estate industry:

·         The first thing you should do is to decide what sort of work you are interested in.  Let the word spread. People should know that you are looking for a job in the real estate industry.

·         Create a list of all the companies you want to work for. Learn whatever you can about the real estate industry. It shows your dedication. You don't have to an industry expert, but you should have a basic understanding of the way the sector works.

·         Seek the help of your friends and family. They could serve as valuable references because they know your skills and trust you.

·         Network. Business is all about relationships. The real estate sector is no different. Your first opportunity in all likelihood will come from somebody in your network.

·         Think about creative ways to make yourself stand out from the crowd. You should be able to capture the attention of potential employers.

·         You have 100 % confidence in your skills. Show them you are capable of performing the job by offering to do free work.

·         You might have no relevant experience in the real estate industry, but you might still have some experience that might be relevant for this sector. The years that you spent running a business or working for a company are far more important than you think. Remember that some of the most successful professionals in this sector came from outside the industry.

Landing your dream job shouldn't be your goal.  That is more difficult than you would think. Your goal should be to find a position that offers enough scope for career growth. Making a transition to the real estate industry is not easy. However, with the right approach, you should be able to find an opportunity to prove your mettle.