Are you feeling stuck in your career in property management? You’re not alone. Many professionals face challenges in moving up to higher-level roles. But with the right approach, you can gain everything you need to break through and advance in your career.
In this article, we’ll show you simple, actionable steps—like expanding your network and gaining experiences that match your desired role—that can help you climb the property management ladder.
What Higher Property Management Roles Require
Leasing agents, apartment leasing professionals, and real estate brokers are well-suited to become residential property managers or regional department heads. They already understand the renting process and work closely with tenants. However, stepping into more senior roles in property management requires a broader skill set and a deeper understanding of operations, such as:
Deeper Technical Knowledge
Property management professionals share fundamental knowledge in understanding leases and working with tenants. But higher roles handle the operations of entire properties and teams. So, they must also have a deeper understanding of more technical work, like financial management and legal knowledge for setting rental property rates and satisfying legal requirements.
Stronger Soft Skills
Like in most higher positions, real estate agents who want to be managers need higher soft skills. Instead of solving small problems like applicants with incomplete paperwork, they may need better problem-solving skills for more significant issues, like long-term property planning. Other essential skills include stronger time management for handling more jobs simultaneously and excellent leadership and communication skills for engaging with property owners and handling entire teams.
Read More: Preparing for a Leadership Role in Property Management
Relevant Experience
To move into higher positions, you’ll need property management experience matching your desired role. For instance, experience in closing high-value leases and negotiating deals is perfect for growth-related jobs, like a business development manager.
Years of experience are equally important. Most employers require 3 to 5 years of experience in the real estate market before becoming property managers. Meanwhile, higher roles like regional property manager typically need five or more years, including leadership experience.
Required Credentials
Entry-level property managers don’t need to satisfy many pre-licensing education requirements except a high school diploma.¹ But there are also licensing requirements depending on the state. For example, states like Texas and California require a real estate broker’s license or a licensed real estate credential.² Entry-level property managers can sometimes work under a supervisor without a license. On the other hand, most states require passing a real estate licensing exam.
Read More: Mastering Property Management: From “Beginner” to “Expert”
How to Boost Your Career in Property Management
Obtaining knowledge and experience is important, but you also need to create opportunities to advance your career. Here are some tips to help boost your career in the property industry.
1. Align Your Career Path with Your Goals
Without a clear career direction, you might spend time on tasks that don’t support your growth. For example, if you want to become a regional property manager but your current company role only includes handling tenant requests and maintenance issues, you might not be getting the right experience.
Here are some higher-level roles in the property industry and the general requirements needed for each:
- Residential Property Manager – Gain experience in customer service and managing lease agreements.
- Regional Property Manager – Learn to manage multiple properties and manage budgets.
- Director of Property Management – Build skills in planning strategies and leading teams.
- Asset Manager – Improve your ability to analyze finances and value properties.
- Real Estate Investment Manager – Understand market trends and manage property portfolios.
- Chief Operating Officer (COO) of a Property Firm – Gain expertise in growing a business and running operations.
2. Earn Relevant Property Management Certifications
Getting certified can give you a competitive edge in the property management industry by showcasing your skills and commitment. While not always required, they can be a strategic career move as many employers prefer certified education for higher-level positions.
Here are some property manager certifications to consider:
- Certified Property Manager (CPM) – Offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), this globally recognized certification is for master property managers and team leaders.
- Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) – This certification, provided by the National Apartment Association (NAA), covers marketing and maintenance for property managers.
- Licensed Property Manager – Required in some states to manage rentals and handle leases; rules vary by location.
- Salesperson License – Issued by state real estate commissions for those working in property sales under a broker.
- Real Estate Broker License – Required by state regulators to run a real estate business and manage agents.
3. Take on Additional Responsibilities
Taking on extra responsibilities is vital for building your career and showing you’re ready for higher roles. For example, if you’re still an Assistant Property Manager and want to become a Regional Property Manager, you could manage a portfolio’s budget to show you can handle more technical jobs.
You need a good relationship with your superiors to take on more responsibilities. Start by identifying tasks that align with your career goals, then schedule a meeting with your manager. Let them know you’re interested in taking on more, like managing leasing for several properties. Then, ask about any upcoming opportunities. Start small but be clear about what you want.
4. Seek Guidance from a Mentor
Seeking guidance from a mentor can be a game-changer for your career. A good mentor can help boost your career by offering personalized advice, sharing valuable industry insights, and guiding you through challenges.
To find a mentor, look for someone with more experience in the industry or a specific area you want to grow in, both inside and outside your property management company. A mentor can be your manager, a senior colleague, or even someone from another department with relevant knowledge.
Once you’ve identified a mentor, take in as much wisdom as possible. Be open to advice and feedback. Build a relationship with a successful property manager that goes beyond professional ties—and you’ll have a career adviser for life.
5. Expand Your Professional Network
Building a strong professional network connects you with industry leaders, mentors, and potential employers. They can offer valuable insights, job leads, and advice on career advancement. These connections can also provide support when you’re ready to step into more senior positions.
To expand your professional network, attend real estate conferences, national conventions, local meetups, and industry events. Be friendly and approachable—introduce yourself with a brief elevator pitch and actively engage with higher-level professionals to build meaningful connections. You can also expand your network online by joining LinkedIn groups related to property management and participating in discussions.
6. Work With Staffing Firms
Staffing firms are professional agencies specializing in recruiting and placing candidates in specific roles across various industries, including property management and real estate development.
Connect with a staffing firm specializing in property management to help you find the best job opportunities and gain the experience you need to climb the career ladder. These firms have strong connections with top property management businesses and often know about job openings that aren’t advertised. They can give you insights into industry trends, help tailor your resume for higher-level roles and provide interview coaching to help you stand out.
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References:
- “Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 Sept. 2022, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/property-real-estate-and-community-association-managers.htm.
- “Property Management Requirements by State: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025.” Propertese, propertese.com/blog/property-management-requirements-by-state/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.