I wonder how many real estate agents have an education in real estate. You don't see a degree in real estate on most people's resume or being pushed by colleges. Most states require some sort of pre-licensing education with a test but does that really compare to a true education in real estate?
After I finished high school I did a semester of college and then I joined the Navy. I didn't join the Navy to pay for school. I turned down the GI Bill for some stupid reason. Actually, it was because I didn't want to pay $100 each month for my first year in the Navy when I already had a puny paycheck. But then again, I was from Illinois so as long as I returned to Illinois I could attend a state college for free. Go Illinois!
So 13 years after getting out of the Navy I took a couple of college classes. These classes were the required pre-licensing classes. After completing the classes I took and passed the licensing exam. The classes were very educational but I realized beforehand that I needed to know a lot more than what was covered in school about the state's real estate laws. So I studied state law specifically and then took the test.
After completing those classes I decided to continue my education. I now have a goal and I have the ability to obtain it. My goal is to continue college, study business and get an MBA (masters in business administration).
I am currently working toward my associates degree so I have a way to go. A few weeks ago I realized that I can get a minor degree in real estate. Imagine that! Guess what two of the required classes are? Yup, the same two pre-licensing classes I already took. There are other classes that go along with the minor in real estate and each one of them will better me as a realtor... or will being a realtor make me a better student?
When I introduce myself to my classmates, some young and some not, I always say I'm a realtor and a business owner. It's also a good way to advertise and network. :-)
I like continuing ed and I don't mean the kind required by the state to keep your license. I enjoy learning and plan to keep it up my whole life. My university has classes you can take once a week and things like that. I am actually considering going for my masters and then my doctorate as well.
Hi Bill,
Well if you're speaking of real estate specifically, it may be a matter of designations.
IMHO the CRS,Certified Residential Specialists is the best when it comes to residential real estate, the referrals alone are worth it! You may hear from others who may feel differently and that's just fine. Yet in the long run...it will make you $$$.
So far this year I've personally closed 2 this year (yet not a big deal for some) CRS referrals. I've got a couple of in-bound that I'm still working on at this point. It's an on-going thing.
Richard- You dont use your computer knowledge at all in your career?
I love my BA in lit!
I think educating ourselves as real estate professionals and continuing to do so is a necessary part of our career.