Katie Pickering is Director & Senior Property Manager at Hodges Sandringham. She was recently a finalist in the Residential Property Manager of the Year category at the REIV awards. Katie recently spoke to The Real Estate Conversation about her career in real estate, and the keys to her success.
What have been the advantages for you of a career in real estate?
A career in real estate can offer a really fantastic income and strong career progress. I started at Hodges in the early days of my career and the company offered me a clear career progression path, which encouraged me to persist within the industry. Staying at Hodges for over ten years, my career has gone from strength to strength all within the one company. I also really love facing clients and talking with people each day, which makes up a majority of my role.
What do you attribute your success to?
I have come to where I am today through continued persistence. Hard work, of course, is a major factor in anyone’s career success, but so also is the added support of great mentors and a strong team supporting me. Over the past decade, I have been loyal to Hodges because I know the brand represents genuine care and honesty, and they have demonstrated a commitment to nurturing my career. I am living proof that staying with one company can help a person, who proves their dedication, climb the corporate ladder.
Are women breaking through the glass ceiling in real estate?
Typically, there is a larger proportion of females in property management roles, but unfortunately very few in leadership roles. However, Hodges makes room for women to take on senior positions and it is encouraging to see my female peers being properly represented in leadership positions in our organisation. There will always be challenges in getting to these roles, regardless of your gender, but persistence is key.
What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?
I love working in real estate as every day is different. I thrive on being kept on my toes. We deal with so many different people and supporting them in their individual circumstances remains challenging but incredibly interesting. Women in real estate, more often than not, come to clients with the attitude of ‘how can I help you’, and ‘what’s the next step for you after this?’ I am no stranger to this. I work with all sorts of different personalities, but I always prefer the approach of working with people rather than simply managing them.
What advice do you have for women working in real estate?
The best advice I could give to other women looking to real estate as a potential career is a no-nonsense, hard-work approach. People will notice your efforts if you have the good word of the people you interact with daily, be it a colleague, tenant, landlord, buyer or vendor.