One of the biggest pieces of supporting evidence for the power of career growth potential in the Property Management industry isn't research…it's the journey that is reflected on the resume!

Recruiters and hiring managers in the industry see it all the time when sourcing for upper management/leadership positions…applicants with great careers who started off in an entry-level position in Property Management.

When we delve deeper and ask these applicants about the biggest contributing factors to their career advancement, a recurring theme emerges-mentorship.

While the term "mentorship" may not always be explicitly mentioned, it often manifests itself in statements like "I had a great boss who supported me," "I was inspired by someone else's career path," or "I had peers who pushed me."

A mentor, by definition, is someone who influences the personal and professional growth of a mentee. And within the Property Management industry, mentors are everywhere. They transcend titles, organizational boundaries, and physical presence.

According to HBR, over 70% of Fortune 500 companies provide mentoring programs to their employees, aiming to enhance performance and improve employee retention rates.

Your organization might not belong to the Fortune 500 with an extensive mentoring program in place. Maybe you are a newer company with a small team, or maybe you're uncertain about your ability to establish and oversee such a program.

No worries, or as Simba and a client of ours, Kayla Goins, recently stated… "Hakuna Matata", there is an entire realm of mentorship opportunities just waiting beyond the walls of your organization.



The Power of External Mentorship:

• Diverse Insights: Property Management is a multifaceted field, with each organization operating in its own unique ecosystem. Seeking external mentorship for your team members exposes them to a diverse range of perspectives, approaches, and solutions.
• Larger networks: Mentorship knows no borders in our interconnected world. You can connect with mentors worldwide through various platforms, including social media, industry conferences, and industry mentorship programs like A.M.P created by Tara "NetworkingTakesWORK" Samuels, CAS "The Multifamily Mentor Matchmaker"
• Adaptability: Property Management is constantly evolving! External mentors can provide guidance on emerging technologies, trends, and regulations that may not be on your organization's radar.
• Objectivity: External mentors can provide an impartial perspective on your career objectives, ambitions, and obstacles. Because they are not influenced by your organization's internal workings, they can offer straightforward feedback and foster an environment in which mentees feel comfortable sharing their experiences openly and honestly.
• Diversity and Inclusion: For minorities in Property Management, external mentorship can be especially powerful. It allows them to connect with mentors who share similar backgrounds and experiences, providing a sense of relatability they might be lacking in a more homogeneous work setting

Navigating the Realm of External Mentorship

• Virtual Communities: Engage with industry-specific virtual communities and forums. Platforms like Linkedin, Reddit, and others are hubs of knowledge and mentorship. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and reach out to professionals whose insights resonate with you.
• Industry Conferences: Attend Property Management conferences, seminars, and workshops. These events not only provide opportunities to learn from industry experts but also offer chances for one-on-one interactions and mentorship.
• Local Associations: Join and become active in your local and statewide National Apartment Association (Naahq) affiliate. Many of these groups offer mentorship programs or can connect you with experienced mentors.
• Social Media: In addition to the ability to participate in discussions, you can simply be inspired by the journey of others. For example, Adrian C Danila CAPS, CAMT started in a very entry-level maintenance position and is now the Senior Director of Facilities and the host of the podcast Multifamily Chronicles often shares tips, inspiration, and his story to help others realize the possibilities in this industry.

How can Leadership Foster External Mentorship?

If you are a leader in the industry you hold a power position to encourage and facilitate external mentorship:

• Allocate Time for Mentorship: Encourage your team members to explore these external options by giving them the time to connect with a mentor. Mentorship is an investment in their growth and the organization's success
• Share Mentorship Opportunities: Be proactive in sharing such opportunities with your team members. Keep them informed about industry events, forums, and networking platforms.
• Incentivize Mentorship: Incentivize your leaders to volunteer as mentors themselves. Mentorship is a two-way street, and leaders who mentor not only contribute to the growth of their mentees but also gain valuable insights and experiences.

In conclusion, while internal mentorship remains vital, external mentorship offers a world of opportunities and sometimes makes more sense!

By extending your mentorship horizons and encouraging your team to do so you can unlock the full potential of a career in this industry.