A random search of LinkedIn has revealed that the field of real estate has significant appeal to Business Communication alumni. Among others, Morgan Buckingham, Lauren Shapiro, Matt Staud, Melinda Kane, Patrick Marsiglia, and Kelly Taylor have chosen this field or at least practiced in it for a time. What draws the Business Communication majors to this career path? An article in the Real Estate Express notes five characteristics of the most successful real estate agents. Let’s see how the BizComm major addresses this career path.
#1: A desire to help people
Real estate agents are in a service profession. Their careers depend upon their ability to serve others, and classes like Interpersonal Communication and Small Group Communication target and develop the skills necessary to succeed in a service-oriented profession.
#2: Enthusiasm for real estate
The most successful agents love the entire business of real estate, including the sales and negotiation aspects. Business Communication students take courses in Conflict and Negotiation, Marketing, Survey of Accounting and Integrated Marketing Communication — all of which help students to understand and compete in the world of business.
#3: Energy and drive
The world of real estate professionals demands energy, drive, and organization. Relying on well-developed interpersonal skills, event planning techniques, management abilities, and public relations expertise, the Business Communication graduate is well-prepared for the demands of the job.
#4: A winning personality
Clients are looking for a real estate agent with whom they feel comfortable, and Business Communication graduates have learned the necessity of being good listeners and clear communicators. They pay attention to their clients’ nonverbal indicators and are tuned in to other interpersonal signals. Personality depends on relationships, and BizComms are terrific in that area!
#5: Strong business acumen
Real estate professionals not only have to understand complex transactions, but they also have to be able to explain them to clients. So being a clear communicator who understands the world of business and sales is essential — and that’s exactly what Business Communication graduates have learned.