As a Commercial Real Estate (CRE) appraiser, there are several ways that you can focus on your professional development and growth in the industry. From professional associations to trade shows and educational opportunities, there are several ways that CRE appraisers can get their hands on formal and informal professional training that will help you as you progress in your role and career.
Professional Associations: Networking and Formal Education
Many professional associations count CRE appraisers among their members. Professional associations offer networking opportunities, annual conferences, local chapters, webinars, and designations in the CRE industry. Here are some professional associations that focus on professional development for appraisers.
The Appraisal Institute Offers Real-World Programming
The Appraisal Institute is a global association of CRE appraisers. The AI offers networking opportunities through their annual conference and their expansive local professional AI chapters database. In terms of educational offerings, the AI has programs that have been researched and created by real practicing appraisers. If you’re looking for something vetted for real-world CRE appraisal with a global reputation of excellence, this is the place to start. From AI designation to new and popular education, there is something for everyone at any career stage.
The NAIOP: An Industry-Wide Focus
The NAIOP, or the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is a professional association for any CRE professional. CRE focused on office, industrial, and mixed-use real estate property types. The NAIOP offers both national and local networking opportunities, and its educational programming offers formal certificate programming and courses through their Center of Education. Still, less formal offerings are available in career development for those new to the industry or others looking to take the next step.
Learning and Education for Hard Vs. Soft Skills
If you’re looking for professional development that isn’t necessarily industry-specific, there are several ways you can tune up your hard and soft skills. Hard skills can be tied to specific capabilities and are often linked a designation, like a degree or certificate. Many of the courses offered by industry professional associations will provide hard skills.
In comparison, soft skills are universally desirable across any industry or job. Soft skills include communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and time management. Both soft skills and hard skills are essential in your ongoing professional development.
Here are a few more ways you can strengthen yours.
Soft Skills: Engage With Your Weaknesses
While it could be a lot of fun to take a public speaking class or workshop, if you’re the kind of person who is already comfortable with being at the front of a room, it might not be the best use of your time. When assessing which soft skills you want to improve, it’s essential to be honest with yourself. There are courses on the internet and in continuing education departments for business writing and communication skills, developing your leadership style, and adopting strategies for better time management. Where you decide to invest your time will be all about taking stock of where you’re at and where you can improve.
Hard Skills: Focus on Future-Proof Tech Skills
Did you know that many workers lack the necessary tech skills to complete their jobs? Known as the tech skills gap, this is an issue in many industries, especially as new and emerging technologies enter the market and shake up the rules of the game.
CRE appraisers can advance their personal and professional development by focusing on hard tech skills. How do you stack up to your peers in terms of your skillset? Is there anything you can do to upgrade your skills? By investing in your tech skills, you’re placing yourself in a solid position for the ongoing advancement of technology in the CRE industry.
Valcre provides commercial appraisers with cutting-edge technology so you can stay on top of your technical requirements and client needs. Discover Valcre’s mobile appraisal tool and let it help you track your data.