I want to work in real estate
Real estate offers one of the widest career selections in the business world. You can help people buy or sell a home, be a city planner or develop communities, manage properties or design them, handle the financial side as a mortgage banker or govern who can own and use land as a lawyer. Many careers in real estate require a self-starter mindset as you have the ability to be in control of your work hours and income. You may also need further education to obtain a real estate license or law degree.
Career Snapshot
- Salary Range​Ìý– $47,880 - $64,660 annuallyÌý(stats from Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary varies by industry, education and experience​)
- Work EnvironmentÌý– self-employed, irregular hours, client-based
Things to think about
Top qualities and skills needed for real estate careers:
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Communication & Honesty
Real estate professions work with clients with varying personalities and preferred methods of communication. Listening to clients’ needs while proactively and honestly communicating each step along the way is very important.
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Negotiation
There might be times when negotiation is necessary to close a deal, obtain a higher budget or approve certain projects. Knowing the best strategy to coach clients through best- and worst-case scenarios for any deal can help in this business.
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Creativity & Vision
Creativity skills are necessary to make clients’ vision for projects come to life. In competitive markets, many professions in real estate need strategy and creative branding tactics to stand out among competitors.
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Forward-thinking & Adaptability
Trends within real estate can change on a dime. Staying up-to-date with the latest topics in real estate will let you serve clients more effectively. It’s important to anticipate shifts and know how to navigate them for your business.
Majors
- Sustainable Planning & Urban Design
Most Surprising Majors
- Foreign Language
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Statistics & Data Science
- Ethnic Studies
Handshake Job Search Terms
- Real Estate
- Transaction
- Commercial
- Lease
- Brokerage
Things You Can Do
Seek opportunities on campus to start developing skills.
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Get Involved
Develop marketing, design or business skills and learn more about trends in real estate by joining aÌý.
Get Connected
Shadow a real estate agent, interior designer or property law professional. Ask questions about their career path. Find ways to make these connections atÌýCareer Services.
Get Experience
Get to know your local community and understand the needs of the city through volunteering. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ18 opportunities to get involved with the community through:
- Ìý-ÌýLogin and search using keywords like “real estateâ€
- HandshakeÌý-ÌýLogin and search by industry, job function or keyword
- Volunteer Resource CenterÌý-ÌýSearch the calendar or organization database
Get Engaged
You have access to tons of resources about the real estate industry in theÌýCU Real Estate Center. Attend events to get information and expert advice from professionals in the community.
Get Informed
Researching companies and the industry you’d like to work in is an essential step to narrowing your interests while in school. UseÌýÌýto learn more about real estate careers.