4 answers
Charlotte
Student
1
Question
Asked
632 views
How do I begin to network if I don't know anyone in the fields I want to pursue?
I am looking to get into real estate but am not licensed and want to make sure I like the job before going through getting licensed.
Login to comment
4 answers
Whitney Sanger
Commercial Real Estate, Analyst
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Whitney’s Answer
Many real estate agents have social media accounts these days. Find some in your area or in the nearest big city and follow them. You can begin by interacting with their posts and commenting and asking questions. Many of these agents will post educational information and you may get a sense of what local professional organizations exist for real estate agents. You can also reach out to agents via LinkedIn and ask them to talk with you. If they are in your are you could ask them to meet you for coffee or see if you could shadow them one day. Some local real estate offices will hold events or participate in community events so also be on the look out for those as opportunities to talk to real estate agents and ask them about the industry to get an idea of if it's right for you. Good luck!
Gaby Midori Hosokawa
Senior Product Marketing Manager
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Gaby Midori’s Answer
That’s such a smart approach, exploring the field before diving in! Networking can feel intimidating at first, but here are some simple steps to get started:
Start with Research: Learn about the real estate field, including local agencies, trends, and what a day in the life of an agent looks like. The more you know, the easier it’ll be to have meaningful conversations.
Leverage LinkedIn: LinkedIn is perfect for connecting with professionals. Search for local real estate agents or agencies and send a polite message introducing yourself and expressing your interest in learning about the industry. Find people that could have something in common with you, same city, or went to same school. That'd increase the probability that the person will answer.
Attend Local Events: Many communities have networking events, open houses, or real estate seminars. Check out event listings, and don’t be afraid to attend and introduce yourself. People in the field are often happy to share their experiences with newcomers.
Ask for Informational Interviews: If you meet someone in real estate, ask if they’d be willing to share their insights. A short chat over coffee or even a virtual meeting can help you learn about the industry and build relationships.
Reach Out to Friends and Family: You might be surprised who knows someone in real estate! Let people in your network know about your interest—they could connect you to someone who can help.
Volunteer or Shadow: Offer to help out at a local agency or shadow an agent for a day to get firsthand experience. This is a great way to learn the ropes while meeting professionals in the field.
Remember, networking is about building genuine connections. Be curious, ask questions, and show enthusiasm. You’ll find that many people are eager to support someone taking their first steps. You’ve got this! 😊
Start with Research: Learn about the real estate field, including local agencies, trends, and what a day in the life of an agent looks like. The more you know, the easier it’ll be to have meaningful conversations.
Leverage LinkedIn: LinkedIn is perfect for connecting with professionals. Search for local real estate agents or agencies and send a polite message introducing yourself and expressing your interest in learning about the industry. Find people that could have something in common with you, same city, or went to same school. That'd increase the probability that the person will answer.
Attend Local Events: Many communities have networking events, open houses, or real estate seminars. Check out event listings, and don’t be afraid to attend and introduce yourself. People in the field are often happy to share their experiences with newcomers.
Ask for Informational Interviews: If you meet someone in real estate, ask if they’d be willing to share their insights. A short chat over coffee or even a virtual meeting can help you learn about the industry and build relationships.
Reach Out to Friends and Family: You might be surprised who knows someone in real estate! Let people in your network know about your interest—they could connect you to someone who can help.
Volunteer or Shadow: Offer to help out at a local agency or shadow an agent for a day to get firsthand experience. This is a great way to learn the ropes while meeting professionals in the field.
Remember, networking is about building genuine connections. Be curious, ask questions, and show enthusiasm. You’ll find that many people are eager to support someone taking their first steps. You’ve got this! 😊
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
946
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Charlotte, don't worry if stepping into the networking scene of a new field like real estate seems a bit intimidating. It's a vital part of discovering what you enjoy and making educated choices about your future career. Here are some practical tactics to kickstart your journey:
• Make the Most of Online Platforms: Sign up on professional networking websites such as LinkedIn and start connecting with people in the real estate world. Interact with their posts, leave comments, and send them personalized messages expressing your interest in what they do.
• Be Present at Industry Gatherings: Keep an eye out for local real estate meetups, seminars, or workshops. These events are a treasure trove of opportunities to meet field experts. Approach participants with genuine interest in their experiences, and feel free to seek their advice.
• Volunteer or Intern: Consider volunteering or interning at real estate firms, community organizations, or non-profits involved in housing. This practical experience will not only enhance your skills but also broaden your network.
• Conduct Informational Interviews: Find professionals whose careers you look up to and ask for brief informational interviews. Prepare thoughtful questions about their path, insights into the industry, and tips for a newbie.
• Become Part of Real Estate Groups: Join local or online real estate clubs and associations. These groups often organize events and offer resources that can help you connect with others in the field.
• Engage on Social Media: Follow real estate influencers and industry leaders on platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Interact with their posts and join discussions to boost your visibility.
• Take Educational Courses: Think about signing up for workshops or courses related to real estate. These environments often provide networking opportunities and can deepen your understanding of the field.
By actively following these paths, you'll not only build a network but also gain valuable insights into whether a career in real estate aligns with your passions and goals. Remember, every connection you make brings you one step closer to finding your place in this vibrant industry.
• Make the Most of Online Platforms: Sign up on professional networking websites such as LinkedIn and start connecting with people in the real estate world. Interact with their posts, leave comments, and send them personalized messages expressing your interest in what they do.
• Be Present at Industry Gatherings: Keep an eye out for local real estate meetups, seminars, or workshops. These events are a treasure trove of opportunities to meet field experts. Approach participants with genuine interest in their experiences, and feel free to seek their advice.
• Volunteer or Intern: Consider volunteering or interning at real estate firms, community organizations, or non-profits involved in housing. This practical experience will not only enhance your skills but also broaden your network.
• Conduct Informational Interviews: Find professionals whose careers you look up to and ask for brief informational interviews. Prepare thoughtful questions about their path, insights into the industry, and tips for a newbie.
• Become Part of Real Estate Groups: Join local or online real estate clubs and associations. These groups often organize events and offer resources that can help you connect with others in the field.
• Engage on Social Media: Follow real estate influencers and industry leaders on platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Interact with their posts and join discussions to boost your visibility.
• Take Educational Courses: Think about signing up for workshops or courses related to real estate. These environments often provide networking opportunities and can deepen your understanding of the field.
By actively following these paths, you'll not only build a network but also gain valuable insights into whether a career in real estate aligns with your passions and goals. Remember, every connection you make brings you one step closer to finding your place in this vibrant industry.
Donna McLeod
Project Manager
9
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Donna’s Answer
It's a great time to get into real estate as the market is booming. You'll notice many "for sale" signs in yards; take down the numbers of the agents listed and give them a call. Mention where you saw their sign, express your interest in the field, and ask for a conversation. If they agree, be ready with questions about their start, the pros and cons of their role, and how to begin in the industry. Follow up with contacts twice a month. Additionally, start following real estate organizations and associations, communicating that you are a new professional interested in the field.