If you want to work in a high-demand field with short-term training, one of Schoolcraft College’s all-new Real Estate Property Management (REPM) programs might be a great fit.
Debuting in the Winter 2021 semester, Real Estate Property Management involves the management of revenue-producing residential or commercial properties, including single-family homes, apartment complexes, office buildings, retail centers, medical facilities and industrial warehouses.
Students also learn about the management of safety and environmental issues related to residential and commercial properties and how to recognize and address maintenance problems. Considered a service industry, property managers work closely with both the property owners and the residents of the property.
“We are pleased that Schoolcraft College is the first local community college to offer a program in Real Estate Property Management,” said Dr. Robert Leadley, Dean of Occupational Programs and Economic Development. “Our continuing dialogue with business leaders who form our Advisory Board showed an immediate and ongoing need for new employees and employees with increased skills and knowledge in this important area.”
Schoolcraft College offers a Skills Certificate, a Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science in this growing field. Here’s a closer look at each:
Skills Certificate
- 16 credits
- Provides introductory view of the total field of Real Estate Property Management
- Topics include tenant relations, leases, risk, insurance and energy efficiency
- Provides fundamental skills in property management, math, communications and software applications
- Useful in obtaining an entry-level position
- Can be completed in one semester
Certificate
- 30 credits
- Increases knowledge and skills beyond those acquired in the Skills Certificate program to include additional property management concepts, business, and accounting
- Can help advance the career of someone already in the field
- Can be completed in two semesters
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree
- 60-63 credits
- Prepares students for a career in either residential or commercial property management
- Combines business, accounting and real estate courses
- Includes study of business writing, business law, interpersonal communications, higher-level accounting, spreadsheet applications and human relations
- Internship option available
- Can help advance the career of someone already in the field
Each credential is “stackable,” meaning completed coursework from the Skills Certificate flows directly to the Certificate, and then from the Certificate to the AAS. This allows students to increase their learning and potentially advance their careers on a straight path.
Promising career outlook
Dr. Dennis K. Genig, Associate Dean of Education and Occupational Programs, predicts a healthy job rate and excellent wages.
“In the Detroit-metro area, there is a projected 11.9% job growth rate and a wage of $20 to $21 an hour,” he said. “The career outlook, based on figures from the Bureau of Labor in 2019, indicates that Real Estate Property Management currently is, and should continue to be, a high-demand field requiring short-term training.”
Genig believes the REPM program and its three different credentials will appeal to a wide range of individuals.
“Achieving these milestones will allow for potential entry-level positions, advancement in current positions, and advancement toward further degrees and professional certificates,” he said.
“Further, these programs will be useful for traditional students who are interested in the field of Real Estate Property Management and will also benefit working adults who may be interested in enhancing their career in Real Estate Property Management or in pursuing a new career in Real Estate Property Management.”
Observations from professionals
Emily Sarnecky, Leasing Marketing Manager at Hub on Campus in East Lansing, has worked in the industry for two years. She sees great benefit in these new programs.
“Every day is different – it’s a very fast-paced industry, and that’s what makes it so fun,” she said. “If I had the opportunity to receive more certification, I would definitely take advantage of this program.”
Dan Irvin, General Manager of Laurel Park Place, gravitated to property management and also finds it a rewarding career.
“What I like most is that no day is the same,” he said. “There is no routine and a plan for the day can be completely rearranged by 9:30 a.m. It’s very exciting!”
As with all new programs, the curriculum was developed through a partnership of Schoolcraft College faculty, administrators and curriculum designers along with an Advisory Board of six industry leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience in real estate and law. Together, they shaped the coursework, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
“Our Advisory Board indicated a need for new employees with background and training in certain skills and areas of knowledge to fill open positions,” Genig said. “There also was a need for a focused path for current employees to increase their skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this industry.
“Schoolcraft College’s Real Estate Property Management programs deliver just that – and more.”
For additional information about the Real Estate Property Management Program, please contact the Education and Occupational Program Office at: EducationOccupationalPrograms@schoolcraft.edu.
Registration for the Winter 2021 semester is open. Classes begin Monday, Jan. 11.