Working in real estate is never boring. One day you might advise a client about financial issues, and the next, you may help another deal with a family matter. Real estate agents do whatever it takes to fulfill clients’ needs and make the buying process go smoothly. Ambitious professionals who master this trade will earn great commissions and enjoy a successful, long-lasting career.
Today, many schools provide training for entrepreneurialism and real estate. However, these learning tracks are not a prerequisite for employment in the real estate industry. In fact, a career in real estate doesn't require a degree, and it offers flexible scheduling and a potentially satisfying paycheck. However, your income will rise, and fall, based upon factors such as your sales, your efforts, and the economy.
Many people decide to enter the real estate field after retiring from a successful career. It gives these individuals the opportunity to showcase their transferable skills, while helping buyers to find residential or commercial properties.
Launching a Career in Real Estate
With commitment and persistence, you can successfully launch a real estate career. Moreover, accredited real estate classes are affordable, and with the growing number of online classrooms, it's easier than ever to find and enroll in a class.
More than 700 colleges and universities offer online classes. They’re quickly growing in popularity, in part, because they cost less compared to traditional classroom courses and offer scheduling flexibility, structured training and personalized learning plans.
When the real estate market is doing well, agents can afford some of life's luxuries and do some of the things that they’ve dreamed about doing. Conversely, when the market is performing poorly, agents might earn little to no income. This makes it important to learn how to save money for when the market takes a downturn.
If you're considering entering the real estate field, the following 5 degrees may provide you with the skills that you need to launch a lucrative career.
Degree 1: Economics
A business degree can give you invaluable insights that will help you understand financial trends. An economics degree, however, includes more in-depth financial courses such as micro- and macroeconomics, public finance and statistics, as well as urban and regional economics. In addition, you'll learn information research and analysis, as well as communication and problem-solving capabilities. These are valuable skills for working in the real estate field that will give you a strong foundation for your professional future.
Degree 2: Law
Some budding real estate professionals are experienced counselors who’ve decided to pursue a new career path after a successful career in the legal field. Others decide to enter the field after starting law school and realizing that legal practice isn't for them. Students who’ve decided to stop pursuing their law degree may find that the career landscape looks bleak. A real estate career can provide you with a sense of purpose and direction as well as a reasonable salary.
Degree 3: Marketing
In the real estate field, you need to know how to market and promote your brand. Advertising and marketing are evolving fields, and modern marketing strategies require a multifaceted approach. A degree in this discipline can give you the advantages and skills that you need to succeed in real estate. In fact, all enterprises need ambitious professionals who can create, manage and analyze marketing initiatives.
Degree 4: Sociology
Sociology and anthropology are popular learning paths. However, many students who’ve earned degrees in this field find that real estate is a more viable career alternative. Sociology students use qualitative research methods and statistical tools to gather and analyze information, write reports and present their findings. This training transfers well in the real estate field because you learn how and why people interact with each other and how to think critically about social problems and phenomena.
Degree 5: Accounting
Finance majors learn about financial markets, financial planning and management, as well as economics. Understanding finance is an important part of real estate work. As a result, many professionals who’ve worked as accountants later work in real estate. They can competently advise clients about select financial matters and possess exceptional bookkeeping skills.
Some people are happy with a 9-to-5 job, while others prefer flexible schedules and are likely to find a real estate career satisfying. While it’s easy to imagine the benefits of working in this field, there’s also ups and downs. Therefore, those considering this line of work, should do their research. It may take some time to find the right niche, but once you do, you'll enjoy the fruits of your labor.
