NAME: Carter Powell
TITLE: District Manager
COMPANY: Camden Property Trust
CITY: McLean, Va.
1. Study, Study, Study!
Having the opportunity to graduate from Virginia Techs residential property management (RPM) program helped to create a strong foundation for my future; however, that foundation is much more than a diploma. Take the time to fully invest in your course work, and that investment will play a critical role in determining your comfort level after college.
2. Professors=Resources.
Professors are more than just test proctors and homework distributors; they are a very valuable resource who often go unnoticed. A lot of professors are current or former industry professionals who have a wealth of knowledge. Get to know your professors and learn from their experiences.
3. Seek Stupid Questions.
There is no such thing as a stupid question; however, it would be stupid if you avoided asking a question all together. Seek the stupid questions and never shy away from asking them.
4. Practice People Skills.
Property management is a people industry. If you enjoy interacting and communicating with people, this is the industry for you. College is the perfect place to begin working on those skills. Start by turning to the person next to you, and break the ice with a friendly conversation.
5. Never Settle.
Grades are very important and should remain a priority throughout your entire college career, but dont just settle for that grade. You need to be a sponge! Your college experience has so much more to offer, and is not only preparing you for work, but for life.
6. The Art Of Networking.
My professor once said, property management is a big industry but a small world, and she was spot on! Networking is critical in just about any industry, but it is particularly important in an industry where everyone knows one another. Stepping outside of your comfort zone will always lead to new connections, and those connections have proved to be critical time and time again.
7. You Cant Teach Experience.
Not everything can be put into a textbook or thrown onto a test, but thats where experience comes in. Having the foundation of my Virginia Tech degree was so important, but thats just the start. The field experience that I received from multiple internships and now fulltime employment has played a critical role in my development, and has taught me lessons that would never be teachable in a classroom.
8. Focus On Todays Standard.
The standard you set for yourself in college becomes your starting point post-graduation. Set your standard high and prepare yourself for the demands of a fulltime career in property management. How you approach your job out of the gate often mimics how you approach your college coursework.
9. Youre Always On Stage.
Just because youre a college student doesnt mean you can put down your guard and act in an unprofessional manner. How you interact with others is a direct reflection of your work and attitude. The way you approach today will leave a lasting memory, and a lot of times that memory will either come back to help or haunt you.
10. Hard Work Will Prevail.
Hard work and honesty will never let you down--period.