I have experienced first-hand that working in asset management bears the fruit of your labor. I was told very early in my career that “no two days are the same in this field,” and that has certainly proven to be true. By having a supportive company and real estate team, I have been able to join IREM and pursue my CPM designation. When you have the support of your employer and the personal motivation to achieve more, your opportunities are plentiful.
I started in the real estate field at the age of 16 and have not turned back since. Fast forward a decade later: I am an officer in the real estate division in Northern Trust’s Pasadena office. In this capacity, I am responsible for the asset management of a primarily residential portfolio and also assist senior managers with their diversified asset portfolios. Through time, I have learned that, whether you’re addressing an environmental matter or reconciling CAM charges, you wear several hats. In this profession, you have the opportunity to be extremely versatile in your skill set.
One of the things I enjoy most is that I am always learning. This is because no property is the same, and that is one of the features that sets this profession apart from others. The unique nature of our profession is that you have to customize the management for each property, none of which will be the same. By understanding best practices that help drive NOI and impact the bottom line, your role as an asset manager quite literally shapes the future of clients, tenants and vendors.
I have also learned that the more we show our potential and strength as Next Gen leaders, someone is out there listening and observing. In this instance, IREM has heard the impact of thirty Next Gen leaders who were announced as the 30 Under 30 in 2017. Whether nominated by others or by oneself, IREM has showcased the various talents of those who have contributed to the property management profession. These individuals have contributed to the field in an extraordinary manner.
Being chosen as one of IREM’s 30 Under 30 has been an extremely rewarding title. Since receiving this recognition, I have been able to forge connections with fellow 30 Under 30 recipients, and my network has grown on a much larger scale than I could have ever anticipated. Not only has IREM been able to recognize next generation industry leaders, it has connected us. We, together, can collaborate and share best practices. Exhibiting the accomplishments of a forward thinker is part of making our impact in asset and property management. Thanks to IREM, I have been able to voice ideas of what the next generation of industry leaders would hope to see in real estate management. I am one of the many voices that shares ideas, and IREM takes the time to listen, reflect and take action. Through this effort, we can continue to grow the community of industry professionals who add value.
Saying it is a pleasure to be a part of the IREM network is an understatement—it has been life changing. I look forward to growing alongside IREM for the long haul.
About the Author
Sidney Becker is an Officer in the Real Estate Division in Northern Trust’s Los Angeles office. Within her company, Sidney created and spearheaded a Next Generation program called NT Next. Outside of her immediate company, she applies this effort to IREM’s Young Professional Presidential Task Force.