Climb the career ladder

Studies show that the employment rate for people with a tertiary education is 80%, while those with only a matric certificate have an employment rate of around 50%. However, a university education is not for everyone, and it's an expensive route to take, especially if you are not entirely sure whether your field of choice is what you would want to do for the next few decades. “In a modern day and age many other options are available to those wanting to get a tertiary qualification such as working an internship in the trade of choice” said Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa.

Options of studying while working, or working an intern year is becoming an attractive and popular choice for those wanting to take their income level into their own hands. Perhaps your mind has not been made up completely on what you would like to study, or are considering a change in your current career, this could be your ideal solution as you gain work experience which better your chances of employment. Statistics show that 60% of job appointments are based on actual work environment exposure. 

“Being an estate agent, offers exactly that – the new criteria as set out by the EAAB (Estate Agency Affairs Board) encourages internship and working whilst obtaining your qualifi-cations” noted Craig. Aside from a work study opportunity, Real Estate is one of the most versatile options to consider as it opens up a wide variety of opportunities. No other career exposes you to such a wide variety of tasks and the opportunity to gain practical experience in so many fields. Taking on this role, one would gain experience in sales, finance, marketing, contractual law, customer relations, telesales and business management with budgeting, time management and organisation. The function of being a real estate agent is to take full responsibility for the outcome of your own success.

Trading in the selling and buying of real estate is now considered an official profession, and what better way to get exposed to the ever evolving business platform than enjoying the convenience of being able to complete your NQF4 and other regulations set by the EAAB. Joining a reputable agency, with support systems and training modules in place, can mean the difference between failure and success.